Israeli Forces Conduct Raids and Detain Ambulance in West Bank Amid Rising Tensions
On Friday, the West Bank witnessed a new wave of raids and arrests by Israeli forces across various regions, coinciding with heightened tensions since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
In the Hebron governorate, Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians from the city of Hebron and the towns of Dier Samet and Sammu'a after searching their homes. They also entered the towns of Doura and Halhul but did not make additional arrests.
In the Tulkarem governorate, forces conducted operations in the towns of Anabta and Kafr al-Labd, where an explosive device detonated prior to their withdrawal. Meanwhile, house demolitions continue in the Nour Shams refugee camp.
Residents of Jenin expressed outrage after Israeli forces detained a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance transporting a patient near the Martyr Khalil Suleiman Government Hospital, prompting significant local discontent.
This escalation occurs as Israel continues to expand settlements, with the Israeli civil administration approving the "E1" project in August to establish new settlements over an area of 12 square kilometers east of Jerusalem.
Additionally, settler violence has increased since October 7, 2023.
Israeli settlements are deemed illegal under international law, regardless of their official recognition. Currently, approximately 370 thousand Palestinians and over 230 thousand Israeli settlers reside in East Jerusalem, according to Israeli official statistics.
