In a series of pre-dawn raids across the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces wounded three Palestinians and arrested dozens of individuals, according to local sources. The operations, which spanned multiple towns and refugee camps, have further heightened tensions in the region.
Witnesses reported heavy military presence in cities such as Jenin, Nablus, and Hebron, where homes were raided, and clashes erupted between Israeli forces and local residents. The wounded individuals were reportedly hit by live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets during confrontations. Medical teams confirmed that one of the injured is in critical condition.
Israeli authorities have stated that the raids targeted individuals suspected of involvement in militant activities, claiming they were necessary for ensuring national security. However, Palestinian officials have decried the actions as collective punishment and an escalation of the ongoing occupation.
Among those detained were students, activists, and former detainees, sparking outrage among families and human rights organizations. The arrests bring the total number of Palestinians in Israeli custody to over 4,500, including children and administrative detainees held without charge or trial.
The raids come amid an already volatile atmosphere, as the region experiences a surge in violence and a lack of progress in peace negotiations. International organizations, including the United Nations, have called for restraint and adherence to international law, urging all parties to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The West Bank, occupied since 1967, has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with frequent military operations, settlement expansions, and violent confrontations. The latest raids underline the fragile state of security and the deepening divisions between the two sides.