Confrontations erupted in Nablus in the occupied West Bank as Israeli forces stormed the city, resulting in at least two Palestinians being wounded by Israeli gunfire, according to the Wafa news agency.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, the Israeli military stated that the operation was launched in response to a shooting incident near the Har Bracha settlement.
The clashes began when Israeli soldiers entered Nablus, a city known for frequent confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces. The operation was reportedly a reaction to gunfire from within Nablus that slightly injured a settler at an outpost near the Har Bracha settlement, which is deemed illegal under international law.
The Wafa news agency reported that the two wounded Palestinians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown. Eyewitnesses described the situation in Nablus as tense, with Israeli forces heavily patrolling the area and setting up checkpoints.
The Israeli military said it was targeting suspected militants and infrastructure linked to recent attacks on settlers. The operation included house searches and arrests of individuals suspected of being involved in the shooting. The military added that it had encountered armed resistance from local residents, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
The Har Bracha settlement has been a flashpoint for violence in the West Bank, with frequent clashes between settlers and Palestinians. The Israeli government continues to support settlements in the West Bank despite international condemnation and calls for a halt to their expansion.
Local residents in Nablus expressed anger and frustration over the incursion, accusing the Israeli army of using excessive force. They noted that such operations often lead to property damage, arrests, and civilian casualties.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli operation, calling it a violation of international law and human rights. They urged the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories.
The latest violence in Nablus comes amid a period of heightened tensions in the West Bank, with frequent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces. The ongoing conflict has seen a rise in both Palestinian and Israeli casualties, further complicating efforts to achieve peace in the region.