Israeli forces detain 11 Palestinians including child in West Bank

Israeli forces conducted multiple military operations across the occupied West Bank on Sunday, detaining eleven Palestinians including one child during raids that targeted several towns and cities throughout the territory.

Multiple Locations Targeted

According to local media reports, nine individuals were taken into custody during operations in the southern city of Bethlehem and the towns of Dura, Al-Karmel south of Hebron, and Beit Ummar north of the city. The raids included searches of numerous residential properties. In a separate operation in the northern West Bank, Israeli forces arrested two Palestinian brothers during a raid in the town of Burin, located south of Nablus.

Escalation Since Gaza War

The Israeli military has significantly intensified its operations throughout the West Bank since the beginning of the Gaza war in October 2023. This escalation has resulted in widespread arrests and confrontations across the occupied territory, with Palestinian authorities documenting numerous incidents of military raids and settler violence affecting civilian populations.

Broader Impact and Casualties

Palestinian sources indicate that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 11,000 others injured in attacks by Israeli forces and illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank since the Gaza war began. The total number of arrests during this period has exceeded 20,000 people, reflecting the scale of Israeli military operations throughout the territory.

International Legal Context

The recent operations occur against the backdrop of last July's landmark opinion by the International Court of Justice, which declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal. The court called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, though Israel has continued its military presence and settlement activities in the occupied territories.