Israeli forces detain 100 Palestinians in West Bank operation

Israeli forces conducted a large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank town of Beit Ummar early Wednesday, detaining around 100 Palestinians. The raid involved sealing all entrances to the town and searching dozens of homes in what witnesses described as one of the broader arrest campaigns in the area.

Context of Rising Tensions

The military action came hours after a violent incident at the Gush Etzion junction in the southern West Bank, where two Palestinians carried out a ramming and stabbing attack that killed one Israeli settler and wounded three others. Israeli forces shot and killed both attackers, one of whom was reportedly from Beit Ummar. This cycle of violence has characterized the ongoing conflict in the region.

Witness Accounts of the Raid

Local witnesses reported that Israeli soldiers transformed the municipal stadium into a temporary detention and interrogation center. Videos circulating on social media showed Israeli troops escorting bound Palestinian detainees through the town. Residents stated that the army sealed all access points to Beit Ummar with dirt mounds and iron barriers, severely restricting movement in and out of the area.

Broader West Bank Escalation

The incident reflects the significant escalation of Israeli military operations across the West Bank since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 1,076 Palestinians have been killed and over 10,700 injured in the occupied territory during this period, with more than 20,500 arrests documented. The International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal in a landmark opinion last July.