Israeli authorities confirm Hamas spokesman's arrest in West Coast

Hamas spokesman Hasan Yousef was arrested on Thursday during Israel's raids on the West Coast, according to Israeli authorities.

Yousef was arrested “on suspicion of acting on behalf of Hamas”, Israeli Security Agency Shin Bet told CNN on Friday.

Yousef is a leading Palestinian political figure, serving as Hamas' official spokesperson in the West Coast and holds a seat at the Palestinian Legislative Council, CNN reports.

CNN reported earlier that Yousef was believed to be among more than 60 members of Hamas arrested by Israel in raids across the West Coast, Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, which is increasingly feeling the impact of fighting in Gaza.

Yousef has been arrested by Israeli forces on several occasions and spent a total of 24 years in Israeli prisons on various charges of inciting, entering Jerusalem without permission and being a member of Hamas.

He has made regular appearances in international media this week by telling the Canadian newspaper “The Globe and Mail” that he thought Hamas would be prepared to release the 200 hostages he is holding if Israel agrees to a 24-hour ceasefire to allow help in Gaza.