Israeli forces raid Balata refugee camp near Nablus, besiege home

Israeli forces raided the Balata refugee camp east of Nablus in the northern West Bank early Wednesday, besieging a home and sparking heavy gunfire and explosions, according to local witnesses. The operation began with undercover agents entering the camp before military reinforcements arrived from the Huwwara checkpoint and Jerusalem Street, witnesses told Anadolu.

Details of the Raid

Residents reported that Israeli drones flew over the camp as heavy gunfire erupted, with explosions caused by detonations at the entrances to homes during the raid. Witnesses said forces imposed a siege on a house inside the camp, though the identities of those targeted and whether the operation resulted in arrests or injuries remained unclear. The Israeli military has not issued an official statement regarding the operation.

Arrests Documented

Social media video later showed Israeli forces departing Nablus after arresting at least one Palestinian man on Al-Ittihad Street. The footage also showed soldiers detaining a young man on crutches who had suffered fractures several days earlier. Separately, the Palestinian Prisoners' Media Office reported that Israeli forces conducted arrest raids across several West Bank areas, targeting 18 Palestinians including several teenagers, with soldiers searching homes and damaging property.

Context of Escalation

The raid is part of intensified Israeli military and illegal settler attacks across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, involving killings, arrests, property damage, home demolitions, displacement, and settlement expansion. According to Palestinian figures, since October 2023 Israeli forces and illegal settlers have killed at least 1,117 Palestinians in the West Bank, wounded approximately 11,500, and arrested around 22,000. The international community and United Nations consider the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, occupied Palestinian territory and regard Israeli settlements there as illegal under international law.