Israeli forces have intensified military operations across the occupied West Bank, conducting raids in more than 20 towns and villages, demolishing homes and arresting dozens of Palestinians.
The latest campaign comes amid rising violence by Israeli settlers, prompting criticism from Arab governments, the Arab League and international officials. Residents say the expanding operations have increased fears for civilian safety and caused widespread property damage.
Israeli Raids Spread Across West Bank Communities
According to local reports, Israeli forces carried out operations in several areas, including Beita, Nilin, Arrabeh, Balata refugee camp, Asira al-Shamaliya, Deir al-Ghusun, Qalqilya, Anabta and Beit Ummar.
Military bulldozers were deployed during some operations as soldiers searched homes and detained residents. Five people were reportedly arrested during raids in Deir al-Ghusun, while further arrests were reported in Nablus and nearby communities.
Residents described heavy military deployments overnight, with soldiers blocking roads and restricting movement.
Humanitarian Concerns Increase
The military campaign has also raised concerns about access to emergency medical care.
Local sources reported that Israeli forces allegedly stopped an ambulance carrying a pregnant Palestinian woman from Qaryut to a hospital in Nablus. The woman reportedly experienced a medical emergency during the delay and later suffered a miscarriage.
Medical and human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions on emergency services during military operations.
Israeli Settler Attacks Continue
At the same time, violence by Israeli settlers has reportedly increased in several Palestinian communities.
Residents in the Abu Fuzaa area near Taybeh reported harassment, while farmers in Al-Burj, south of Hebron, accused settlers of releasing livestock into olive groves and damaging agricultural land.
Palestinian families say repeated attacks on homes and farmland have increased insecurity, while they remain concerned about inadequate protection during such incidents.
Arab Countries Condemn Violence
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appealed to the United Nations, European Union and Arab League for international action against Israeli military operations and settler violence.
Several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Oman, have also condemned the reported violence.
The Arab League warned that the situation is approaching a dangerous turning point and called for urgent international intervention.
Spain has separately criticised Israeli settlement policies and called for an end to settlement expansion and attacks against Palestinian civilians.
UN Experts Raise Alarm
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has expressed concern about violence against Palestinian civilians, while Israeli newspaper Haaretz has reported that some Israeli military officials have warned that escalating settler violence could create an increasingly volatile security environment.
The combination of military raids, arrests, demolitions and settler attacks has further increased tensions across the occupied West Bank.
West Bank Violence Remains a Major Concern
Palestinian officials say nearly 1,200 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank since October 2023.
The continuing violence has intensified international concern over civilian protection and the future of the territory. As Israeli military operations and settler attacks continue, pressure is growing on regional and international actors to prevent further escalation and protect Palestinian civilians.
