The ongoing conflict in the occupied West Bank has recently become even more intense, leading to violent clashes, loss of life and increased tensions. The current situation has turned into a humanitarian crisis, especially in areas such as Hebron and Jenin, where military operations have resulted in severe casualties and widespread destruction.
A tragic shooting incident took place near the Tarqumiya checkpoint, south of Hebron, where a man and a woman lost their lives, and a third person, a man in his 50s, was seriously injured. Magen David Adom, the Israeli national emergency service, confirmed the deaths, saying the victims were transferred to hospital following the attack. The incident adds to the growing violence in the region as tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents escalate.
According to local reports, the victims were policemen from the Hebron station, who were shot by a passing Palestinian vehicle. The attack highlights the changing focus of recent violence, which has usually been centered around the northern West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Now, there has been a worrying increase in incidents in southern parts of the West Bank as well.
Israeli response: Raids and restrictions
Following the shooting near Tarqumiyah, the Israeli army responded by raiding the Palestinian village of Idhna, located close to the scene of the attack. The raid led to the arrest of six individuals, including three women, in the Hebron area. Similar operations were also carried out in nearby locations such as Yatta and Halhul. Roads in and out of Hebron have been blocked, and drones have been seen hovering over the area, increasing the sense of fear and uncertainty among residents.
Local journalist Akram Natsheh reports that the atmosphere in Hebron is tense and apprehensive, and residents are concerned about further tensions. The situation in Hebron is a reflection of the wider crisis unfolding in the West Bank, where clashes, arrests and military action have become commonplace.
Humanitarian crisis in Jenin: A city under siege
While Hebron has been a focal point recently, Jenin is suffering under severe military pressure. Israeli forces have been conducting raids in the Jenin area for several consecutive days, causing significant damage to infrastructure and worsening the humanitarian situation. Local officials report that approximately 70 percent of the roads in Jenin have been bulldozed, severely restricting movement and access.
Residents of Jenin are facing severe shortages of essential supplies. The city is cut off from food, water, electricity and internet access, making daily life a struggle for those living there. The Israeli military operation in Jenin is reportedly the largest in the West Bank since the Second Intifada in 2002, with significant force being used, including tanks, drones and bulldozers.
Military objective or territorial control?
The Israeli military claims that these operations are aimed at targeting armed groups and deterring future attacks against Israel. However, the extent of the destruction and the impact on civilian life have raised questions about the real intent of these actions. According to some observers, there are concerns that the military’s objective may go beyond security concerns and may be aimed at territorial control or further displacement of Palestinians.
There have been reports of gunfire in various locations, and Hamas has confirmed the killing of at least ten fighters, including a top commander, in recent clashes. The conflict has left a trail of destruction in places such as Tulkarem and Tubas, from where Israeli forces have withdrawn. This destruction, including damage to water pipelines, power systems and other vital infrastructure, is worrying and suggests a wider strategy that may be aimed at spreading the conflict in Gaza to the West Bank.
Impact on Palestinian civilians
For Palestinian civilians, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The continued military actions and restrictions have severely disrupted daily life, creating a climate of fear, uncertainty and instability. Residents of Jenin, Hebron and surrounding areas are struggling to cope with the consequences of the ongoing violence, including loss of life and property, destruction of homes and lack of basic necessities.
Al Jazeera correspondent Niba Ibrahim described the current situation as a punitive measure rather than a security necessity. According to her report, Palestinians believe that these military operations are intended to remind them of the grave consequences of resistance against the Israeli occupation. This perception is further aggravated by the destruction in the areas affected by Israeli military actions, which some argue are disproportionate and aimed at breaking the will of the Palestinian people.