Confrontations flared up in Nablus in the occupied West Bank as Israeli forces conducted a raid on the city, resulting in at least two Palestinians being injured by Israeli gunfire, according to the Wafa news agency.
As reported by Al Jazeera, the Israeli military stated that the operation was in response to a shooting incident near the Har Bracha settlement.
The clashes erupted when Israeli soldiers entered Nablus, a city known for frequent confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces. The operation was reportedly triggered by gunfire from within Nablus that caused minor injuries to a settler at an outpost near the Har Bracha settlement, considered illegal under international law.
According to Wafa news agency, the two injured Palestinians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Their current conditions are unknown. Eyewitnesses described the situation in Nablus as tense, with Israeli forces heavily patrolling the area and establishing checkpoints.
The Israeli military indicated that its objective was to target suspected militants and infrastructure associated with recent attacks on settlers. The operation involved house searches and the arrest of individuals suspected of involvement in the shooting. The military also reported encountering armed resistance from local residents, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
The Har Bracha settlement has been a focal point of violence in the West Bank, witnessing frequent clashes between settlers and Palestinians. Despite international condemnation and calls for cessation of expansion, the Israeli government continues to support settlements in the West Bank.
Local residents in Nablus expressed anger and frustration over the military incursion, accusing the Israeli army of using disproportionate force. They pointed out that such operations often lead to property damage, arrests, and civilian casualties.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli operation, labeling 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 recent violence in Nablus occurs amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, with frequent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces. This ongoing conflict has resulted in increased casualties on both sides, complicating efforts to achieve peace in the region.