Israeli Forces Conduct Major Assault in West Bank
Israeli forces killed five Palestinian fighters inside a mosque in Tulkarm, West Bank. This occurred during a large-scale military operation, one of the most intense in months. The recent fighting has resulted in the deaths of 16 Palestinians in less than two days, making it the deadliest operation in the West Bank since the October 7 Hamas attack in Israel, which killed 1,200 people.
Escalating Conflict and International Response
The ongoing conflict has drawn international attention. Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, formally requested that EU members consider imposing sanctions on certain Israeli ministers for “hate messages” against Palestinians. Borrell did not specify which ministers or messages he was referring to, but he has criticized Israeli ministers in recent weeks.
Israeli Military Operations Intensify
The Israeli military’s operation involves the deployment of three brigades in major West Bank cities, supported by helicopters, drones, and armored personnel carriers. The operation includes raids in Jenin and the Jordan Valley, with reports of Israeli troops detaining Palestinian men house-to-house in Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm. Residents described significant destruction, including damaged infrastructure and homes.
Concerns Over Future Violence
The situation in the West Bank is becoming increasingly volatile. Israeli defense officials are concerned that the violence could escalate further, potentially turning the West Bank into a new front in Israel’s ongoing conflicts. Hamas has urged Palestinians in the West Bank to rise up, viewing the Israeli raids as part of a broader plan to expand the war in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the raids but did not expect his forces to intervene.
Calls for Ceasefire and Rising Tensions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in the West Bank. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages held by militants in Gaza protested near the border, demanding a deal to secure their release. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation in the region.
