Israeli Forces Open Fire, Killing Two Palestinians in West Bank Raid
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli forces opened fire and killed two Palestinians in a raid before dawn on Sunday in the West Bank. This incident is part of the escalating violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the occupied West Bank, where eight Palestinians have been killed in Israeli incursions since Tuesday.
Details of the Incident
The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the two Palestinians who were killed as Aseed Abu Ali (21 years old) and Abdel Rahman Abu Daghash (32 years old). The army reported that one of its soldiers was moderately injured during the clashes in Nour Shams refugee camp near the town of Tulkarm. The army claimed to have dismantled an alleged “operations command center” inside a building that contained surveillance devices, computers, and technological devices.
Increased Military Raids and Attacks
Recent months have seen a surge in military raids by Israeli forces and an increase in Palestinian attacks on Israelis. Additionally, there has been a rise in settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. In July, the Israeli army conducted its largest raid in years on Jenin refugee camp, resulting in the death of at least 13 Palestinians.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the West Bank
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War of 1967, with the exception of East Jerusalem, which was annexed. The area is now home to approximately 490,000 Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law. Palestinians, who seek their own independent state, demand Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied territories and the dismantling of Jewish settlements. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-right government has supported settlement expansion.
Escalating Tensions in Gaza
In addition to the West Bank, tensions have also risen in the Gaza Strip, which is blockaded by Israel. Palestinians have been staging daily protests along the border, resulting in violent clashes. The Israeli army recently carried out a drone strike after protests erupted following the closure of the only Erez crossing. Since September 13, six Palestinians have been killed and around 100 others injured during the violence on the border. Israel has imposed an air, land, and sea blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.
So far this year, at least 241 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
