Hamas-led Palestinian government ministers, parliament members and Hamas activists arrested by Israeli security forces early Thursday could soon be brought to court for being involved in terror, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told Xinhua.

The detainees have been taken for questioning, and evidences of terror activities will be filed against them before judge, an IDF spokeswoman said.

She denied a report that Israel wanted to play bargaining card with the Palestinians to ensure release of a kidnapped Israeli soldier.

During a swift operation carried out throughout the West Bank and the Jerusalem area early Thursday, Israeli security forces arrested at least 60 Hamas officials, including government ministers, parliament members and activists.

Palestinian Labor Minister Muhammad Barghouti, Finance Minister Omar Abdel Razek, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Khaled Abu Arfa and many other Hamas government officials were among the detained.

Source: Xinhua