Israeli Military Operation in Tulkarm Results in Casualties
On December 24, 2024, the Israeli army launched a significant military operation in Tulkarm, resulting in the injury of Lieutenant Colonel Kayov, the commander of the Northern West Bank Brigade, due to an explosive device explosion. This incident occurred amidst ongoing armed clashes in the Tulkarm and Nour Shams camps, where the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported the martyrdom of eight Palestinians and numerous injuries. The Israeli military described the operation as a response to what they termed 'terrorism' in the region.
The operation involved extensive military reinforcements, including bulldozers, which caused significant destruction in the camps. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the Israeli forces surrounded the area and engaged in confrontations with local fighters. The Al-Quds Brigades, affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Movement, claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli military vehicles and successfully detonating an explosive device against a D-9 bulldozer, resulting in confirmed casualties among the Israeli forces.
Ongoing Violence and Settler Attacks in the West Bank
The violence in Tulkarm is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the West Bank. Reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent indicated that additional clashes occurred in Nablus, where several Palestinians were injured during Israeli raids. In Hebron, four Palestinians were shot, with one sustaining serious injuries. The Israeli military's actions have drawn criticism for preventing medical assistance from reaching the wounded.
In addition to military operations, Israeli settlers have increasingly targeted Palestinian communities. On the same day as the Tulkarm operation, settlers attacked the Arab Malihat Bedouin community near Jericho, vandalizing property and opening fire on residents. Similar incidents were reported in Masafer Yatta, where settlers searched homes and terrorized local families. Such actions contribute to the rising tensions and violence in the region, with the Palestinian Ministry of Health documenting over 800 martyrs and thousands of injuries since the onset of the conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Humanitarian Concerns Amidst Military Actions
The ongoing military operations and settler violence have raised significant humanitarian concerns. The Palestinian Red Crescent has reported difficulties in providing medical assistance to injured individuals, with Israeli forces often obstructing rescue efforts. The situation in the West Bank remains dire, with continuous raids leading to casualties, property destruction, and a heightened state of fear among Palestinian communities. As the Israeli military intensifies its operations, the impact on civilian life and the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to grow.
