Tensions are escalating in the West Bank as clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. The confrontations coincide with strong criticism from Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, regarding European support for Israel.
Albanese asserted that the West Bank is witnessing an unprecedented ethnic cleansing campaign, unseen in the last 80 years. She also condemned certain European entities for their continued support of what she described as an apartheid state. “Supporting Palestinian self-determination is not an act of charity, but a legal obligation,” Albanese stated, adding that “Orientalist approaches and colonial attitudes continue to shape European policy.”
Meanwhile, Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, claimed its fighters in Beit Ummar engaged Israeli forces who entered the town. The group stated that its fighters targeted a foot patrol in the al-Bayada area with anti-personnel devices and hand grenades, inflicting what they described as “confirmed casualties.”
In a separate incident, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that two young men were injured after being beaten by Israeli soldiers during a raid on Abu Obeida Street in Nablus, northern West Bank.
Peace Activists Injured
Two international peace activists reportedly suffered from gas inhalation after being attacked by Israeli settlers near Jerusalem. According to the Jerusalem Governorate, the activists were targeted during an assault on a Bedouin community in Khaleh al-Sidra, northeast of Jerusalem. The settlers also allegedly damaged homes and vehicles in the community.
According to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, settlers have perpetrated 7,154 attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank during the period coinciding with the Israeli war on Gaza. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 33 Palestinians and the displacement of 33 communities as of October 5th.
