JERUSALEM (Ma’an) -- Israeli forces raided the East Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Isawiya on Thursday evening and arrested a former prisoner released in last years swap deal, witnesses said.

Samer Issawi was detained by Israeli forces and taken to the Russian Compound for interrogation, locals told Ma'an.

Issawi was released in the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas on Oct. 18, 2011.

An Israeli border police official could not be reached for comment.

Palestinians living in the occupied territories are routinely arrested by Israeli forces, usually on the pretext of security.

Israeli has occupied East Jerusalem since 1967.