The Israeli army killed three Palestinian military commanders and a mother with her child during a raid in the occupied West Bank, sparking outrage from Palestinian and Israeli officials. The raid in Tulkarem refugee camp also saw extensive destruction of homes, markets, and neighborhoods. Israel claims the raids are necessary for capturing Hamas cells and ensuring security, but critics argue they only exacerbate tensions and fuel armed resistance due to the ongoing occupation.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported a significant rise in deaths caused by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the West Bank compared to the previous year. Activists and experts allege that Israel is using the threat of terrorism as justification for increased violence, leading to mass displacement and illegal settlements expansion.
Israeli military raids into the West Bank target towns like Jenin and Tulkarem, resulting in frequent firefights with Palestinian armed men. Locals emphasize the indiscriminate tactics used by the Israeli army, including airstrikes on residential areas and destruction of vital infrastructure. Palestinian armed groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are among the main targets of Israeli operations, with recent arrests of students accused of planning terror attacks reported by Shin Bet.
Jewish settlers also play a significant role in the conflict, often launching attacks on Palestinian villages as part of efforts to expand their territory in the West Bank. The lack of protection from the Palestinian Authority, constrained by the Oslo Accords and close security coordination with Israel, leaves Palestinians vulnerable to settler violence and military incursions. The ongoing cycle of violence in the region raises concerns about the prospects for peace and stability.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
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