Escalating Violence in the West Bank Amid Occupation Forces' Protection
In recent days, extremist settlers have intensified their attacks on Palestinian towns in the occupied West Bank, often under the watchful eye of the Israeli occupation forces. Reports indicate that settlers stormed the old town of Hebron, performing Talmudic rituals and launching assaults on local residents. Eyewitness accounts reveal that settlers fired bullets and hurled stones at homes, while the occupation forces restricted access to the Ibrahimi Mosque, preventing many from reaching the site to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
The situation escalated further on Saturday evening when settlers, again protected by the Israeli army, invaded the town of Umm Safa, opening fire on citizens' homes. Additional clashes occurred in the village of Deir Abu Mash'al, where the Israeli army conducted operations without any reported arrests. Meanwhile, the towns of Zeita and Al-Khader also faced military incursions, with residents experiencing tear gas and live ammunition attacks.
Commemoration and Resistance Amid Restrictions
Despite the heavy restrictions imposed by the Israeli forces, approximately 1,300 Palestinian memorizers of the Holy Quran gathered at the Ibrahimi Mosque to recite the entire Surah Al-Baqarah in honor of the Prophet's birthday. This annual event, celebrated on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, faced significant barriers as the Israeli occupation forces blocked access to the mosque for many Palestinians and journalists alike.
In a related development, the Israeli army has been active in uprooting Palestinian olive trees, with reports indicating that 25 trees were removed from the land of farmer Mohammed Ayoub Al-Ahmad in Kafr ad-Dik. This act, along with the demolition orders for poultry farms in Deir Ballut and construction stoppages in Rafat, highlights the ongoing struggle of Palestinians against Israeli policies that severely restrict their agricultural and residential rights. The situation has worsened since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, with a staggering increase in violence resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties.
- The Ibrahimi Mosque, a significant religious site located in Hebron, has been a focal point of tension between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Following a massacre in 1994, the mosque was divided, leading to ongoing disputes over access and control. The Israeli government's policies toward Palestinian land and resources have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. The restrictions on construction and agricultural activities in Area C of the West Bank, which is under full Israeli control, severely hinder the livelihoods of many Palestinian families. The recent surge in violence and property destruction is indicative of the broader conflict that has escalated in recent months, particularly in the wake of the Gaza war.
