Israel rounds up 10 linked to Palestinian teen protest icon

JERUSALEM – Relatives of Ahed Tamimi, the Palestinian teen-turned-protest icon, say troops arrested 10 people from her West Bank village on Monday, including a 15-year-old cousin with a serious head injury.

The teen, Mohammed, had part of his skull removed by surgeons after being shot at close range by Israeli troops on Dec. 15. That incident reportedly set off Ahed when she slapped and kicked two soldiers later that day.

Tamimi is on trial for the scuffle, and her case has won international attention.

Mohammed said he was taken from his home at 3 a.m. Monday, despite pleas from his father that detention and exposure to cold could endanger his health.

Mohammed told The Associated Press he was held for 10 hours in a cold cell, with his hands cuffed behind his back, before being released. He said he was interrogated about throwing stones at soldiers and organizing protests, allegations he denied.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the incident.