Israeli forces detain 24 Palestinians in West Bank raids

Israeli forces conducted a series of operations across the occupied West Bank, detaining at least 24 Palestinians. Among those arrested was Murad Ashtiwi, a director within the Palestinian Authority's Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, who was later released.

Widespread Arrests and Home Demolitions

The arrests were reported in multiple cities, including Tulkarem, Nablus, Qalqilya, Jenin, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Concurrently, a Palestinian home was demolished in the village of Al-Mughayir near Ramallah, with Israeli authorities citing a lack of building permits. The village council chairman stated that 70 other homes in the area face similar demolition orders, a common practice in Area C of the West Bank.

Violent Clashes and Injuries

Separate clashes in the region left at least 10 Palestinians wounded. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported injuries from live fire in Qalandiya and Al-Ram, while other incidents in Nablus involved gunfire and tear gas, resulting in several casualties, including a 15-year-old. Witnesses reported that public buildings, including a fire department headquarters, were targeted during the raids.

Context of Escalating Tensions

These events occur against a backdrop of significantly intensified violence in the West Bank since the onset of the war in Gaza. Local authorities report that over a thousand Palestinians have been killed and more than 20,000 arrested in the territory during this period. The International Court of Justice has previously declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories illegal.