Israeli occupation forces broadened their raid operations across various areas of the occupied West Bank early Tuesday, coinciding with ongoing large-scale military exercises that commenced yesterday. The drills encompass the West Bank, the Jordan Valley, and the border region with Jordan.
Palestinian media sources reported that Israeli forces stormed the town of Huwara, south of Nablus, as well as the Balata and Askar refugee camps, and Al-Masahen al-Shaabiya, east of the city. House raids were also carried out in the town of Aqaba, north of Tubas, particularly in the Al-Zira’ina neighborhood.
Separately, Palestinian platforms documented Knesset member Zvi Sukkot’s intrusion into the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, where he performed what was described as a “Talmudic prayer” in front of Muslim worshippers.
On Monday evening, Israeli police stated that their forces were subjected to gunfire during field activity near the Beit Hagai settlement, south of Hebron in the West Bank. In a statement, the police indicated that their forces returned fire and neutralized the assailant, whose identity remains unknown. No injuries were reported among the Israeli forces.
The Israeli army initiated a three-day military exercise on Monday, involving field training in areas of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. The stated aim of the drills is to “enhance the readiness of forces to confront potential field escalation scenarios, infiltration attempts, or attacks originating from the West Bank directed towards settlements.”
Settler Violence on the Rise
The West Bank has witnessed an increase in settler attacks against Palestinians and their property, particularly during the olive harvest season. Settlers, under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, have reportedly stormed the lands of Palestinian farmers west of Hebron.
An Israeli security source revealed that 97 settler attacks were recorded last month. The Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported over 766 attacks during October alone.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has also documented a notable increase in settler attacks, especially against farmers, under the direct protection of Israeli forces.
