Israeli forces and settlers intensified their aggression in Gaza and the West Bank on Monday, leading to the deaths and injuries of several Palestinians. In Gaza, a Palestinian child succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli gunfire in the Moassi Rafah area. A young man also died from a head injury caused by a drone-fired bullet in the northern Gaza Strip. Furthermore, a man was killed and others injured in a drone strike targeting a group of civilians in Khan Yunis.
The escalation of violence also resulted in the arrest of at least 18 Palestinians from various governorates in the West Bank. Israeli forces conducted raids and searches in homes, leading to the detention of individuals in Tulkarem, Jenin, Salfit, and Hebron. In Jerusalem, Israeli forces detained around 53 young men at an investigation center set up in a seized house in the town of Badou. These actions were part of a broader crackdown that included widespread raids, searches, and the imposition of strict military measures.
The Israeli occupation forces continued their aggressive actions, including the installation of iron gates and military checkpoints at various entrances to towns and villages. In Ramallah, Israeli forces set up a military checkpoint near the entrance to the town of Al-Mughayyer, causing traffic congestion and disrupting the movement of residents. Similar measures were implemented in other areas, severely impacting the daily lives of Palestinians.
The situation in Jerusalem saw a significant escalation, with 1,678 settlers storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the past two days. This represents the highest recorded number of settlers for this occasion, according to the Jerusalem Governorate. The settlers performed rituals and prayers, and some even brought in religious texts and attire, marking a provocative move aimed at altering the status quo within the mosque.
In addition to the aggression in Gaza and the West Bank, settlers launched attacks on Palestinian vehicles and properties. In the Ramallah area, settlers assaulted a vehicle and its driver in the Wadi Ammar region near Tramsayya village, spraying pepper gas at youths attempting to intervene. Similar attacks were reported in Abu Falah village, where armed settlers attempted to storm homes, only to be thwarted by local residents.
The international community has taken notice of the escalating violence. French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confaure stated that France supports the conduct of presidential and legislative elections in Palestine. This stance comes as efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promote stability in the region gain momentum.
The ongoing aggression has resulted in significant human suffering. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, 73,914 people have been killed and 174,952 injured since the start of the conflict. The situation remains volatile, with continued clashes and heightened military presence in affected areas.
Key points
- Israeli forces and settlers escalate aggression in Gaza and West Bank.
- At least 18 Palestinians arrested in West Bank governorates.
- 1,678 settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in two days.
