On October 4, 2024, a general strike was declared in the West Bank following a devastating airstrike by the Israeli military on the Tulkarm camp that resulted in the deaths of 18 Palestinians, including a child. This marked the first use of fighter jets in the region since the Second Intifada in 2000, intensifying the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The strike and subsequent calls for escalation were spearheaded by national and Islamic forces, including Hamas and Fatah, who urged Palestinians to engage in mass protests and confrontations against the Israeli occupation. They condemned the airstrike as a dangerous escalation and a reflection of Israel's desperation in the face of Palestinian resistance.
The Palestinian government has called for international intervention to address what it describes as escalating Israeli crimes, particularly highlighting the impact on vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh attributed the violence to the policies of the current Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu, and criticized the U.S. for its support of Israel.
The airstrike on Tulkarm is part of a broader pattern of violence in the region, with significant casualties reported in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Official sources indicate that Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 700 Palestinians in the West Bank alone since the beginning of the conflict, alongside extensive casualties in Gaza. This situation has led to widespread international concern and calls for accountability.
