Israeli Forces Intensify Operations in West Bank Amid Security Concerns
On the evening of October 6, 2024, the Israeli army launched a significant military operation in Tulkarm, a city in the West Bank, alongside raids in several nearby Palestinian villages. This escalation coincides with the anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood attack, prompting heightened security measures across the region. The Palestinian Ministry of Education has responded to the escalating violence by suspending classes in various schools due to fears of settler attacks.
Reports indicate that the Israeli forces approached Tulkarm from the western axis, with social media footage showing military vehicles near Thabet Thabet Hospital. Activists reported that bulldozers were deployed towards the Nour Shams camp, indicating a potential for further confrontations. The official Palestinian news agency (WAFA) detailed additional incursions into villages such as Madama and Beit Furik, where clashes erupted between Palestinian resistance fighters and Israeli soldiers.
In the southern regions of the West Bank, military operations extended to the village of Al-Khader, near Bethlehem, where the Israeli forces used sound bombs and tear gas to disperse crowds. Tensions were also reported in the Jalazone camp north of Al-Bireh, as well as in various locations around Nablus and Qalqilya. The Israeli army's comprehensive closure of the West Bank, effective October 7, aims to prevent movement across crossings to Israel, significantly impacting Palestinian workers and daily life.
Comprehensive Closure Imposed on West Bank
As part of the heightened security measures, the Israeli government has announced a comprehensive closure on the West Bank, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Al-Aqsa Flood attack, which marked the beginning of a devastating conflict in Gaza. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reported that all crossings linking the West Bank to Israel would be closed, effectively barring Palestinian workers from entering Israel. This decision reflects the ongoing tensions and the Israeli military's anticipation of potential unrest during this sensitive period.
The anniversary of the October 7 attack also serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 139,000 Palestinians have been reported as martyrs or wounded, with thousands more missing amidst the destruction and famine that has severely impacted children and the elderly. The situation continues to draw international attention and concern as violence persists in the region.
