Violence Erupts in West Bank: Israeli Raids and Settler Clashes Leave Dozens Injured
Dozens of Palestinians, including a child, were among those affected as tensions in the region continued to escalate, according to eyewitness reports.
Israeli forces opened fire during a military operation in Nablus in the northern West Bank on Sunday, resulting in the shooting of three Palestinians, among them a 14-year-old boy.
The Palestinian Red Crescent has confirmed that a child suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh from live ammunition, and two young men were injured by rubber-coated bullets.
Violent confrontations broke out between Israeli military personnel and local youths, resulting in at least 40 civilians experiencing the effects of tear gas inhalation. In the midst of the unrest, troops also closed down shops and detained a store owner.
**Surge in Aggression by Settlers Reported**
Reports indicate a significant increase in acts of violence attributed to settler groups in the region, raising concerns over escalating tensions. Authorities are urged to address the situation promptly to maintain stability and protect affected communities.
Israeli settlers, with the support of regime forces, launched an assault on residents of the Khala area in Einabus village, Nablus. Several Palestinians, including the head of the local council, were subjected to violent attacks. The assailants also discharged live ammunition and deployed tear gas, according to a statement from the Einabus Village Council.
The council reported that regime forces detained two sanitation workers while they were performing their waste collection duties in the village.
In Ramallah, settlers have initiated new assaults in the Sahl Sa’i agricultural area located between the villages of al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah. According to the head of the village council, speaking to WAFA, the settlers set fire to farm structures owned by local residents. The council head further noted that these attacks are a frequent occurrence, with settlers routinely setting fires and inflicting damage on citizens’ lands and properties.
In al-Khalil, a cohort of Israeli settlers reportedly stormed Khirbet al-Rakeez, a diminutive Palestinian enclave within Masafer Yatta, causing destruction to approximately 30 olive and almond trees owned by community members, as reported by local activist Osama Makhamra.
In a further incident of sabotage, unauthorized settlers unleashed their livestock onto cultivated fields owned by another local resident, resulting in extensive damage to the crops.
Following the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza in January, Israel has increased its military operations throughout the West Bank. In March, the ceasefire was disrupted as Israeli forces launched extensive military raids in the area.
Since January, Israeli forces have reportedly been involved in the fatalities of 13 Palestinians, including two women and a child, with dozens more injured in Tulkarem and its camps. Approximately 400 homes have been fully destroyed, while over 2,570 have suffered partial demolitions in the camps of Nur Shams and Tulkarem.
More than 956 Palestinians have lost their lives and approximately 7,000 have sustained injuries following Israel’s offensive on the West Bank and East al-Quds in October 2023. This assault coincides with the regime’s broader campaign in Gaza, which many have described as genocidal. Additionally, around 16,400 individuals have been detained.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 52,314 Palestinians, with an additional 117,792 individuals sustaining injuries since October 7, 2023.
