Israeli Forces Target Islamic Jihad Leaders in Tulkarm
In a recent escalation of violence in the West Bank, Israeli occupation forces conducted an airstrike that resulted in the deaths of two prominent figures from the Islamic Jihad movement. The commander of the Tulkarm Battalion, Muhammad Iyad Abdullah, aged 20, and Awad Saqr Omar, aged 31, were killed during a raid near the Nour Shams camp. The Israeli army confirmed that the operation was coordinated with the Shin Bet security agency and involved multiple raids, leading to confrontations with Palestinian resistance forces.
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, expressed its condolences for the fallen martyrs, asserting that the actions of the occupation would provoke further resistance and violence. They emphasized that the blood of these martyrs would inspire future generations to continue the fight against occupation. Meanwhile, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, claimed responsibility for detonating explosives against Israeli military vehicles, engaging in fierce clashes with the occupation forces.
Settler Violence and Restrictions on Worship
In addition to military actions, the situation in the West Bank has been exacerbated by ongoing attacks from Israeli settlers. Reports indicate that a Palestinian youth was injured by settler gunfire in the village of Burqa, near Ramallah, during confrontations between settlers and local residents. Settlers have also been reported to have vandalized property and agricultural lands in various areas, including the cutting down of olive trees in Khalayel Al-Loz and bulldozing Palestinian lands in Battir.
Moreover, the occupation forces have restricted access to the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, preventing Palestinians from performing Friday prayers inside the mosque. This closure, attributed to the Jewish holidays, has drawn criticism from local authorities who argue that it aims to alter the demographic balance in the area and suppress Islamic practices. According to official Palestinian data, the ongoing Israeli violations have resulted in significant casualties, with over 749 Palestinians killed and more than 11,100 arrested in recent months.
