Israeli Forces Conduct Raids in Qalqilya, Azzun Amid West Bank Escalation

Israeli military vehicles entered the West Bank city of Qalqilya from its main southern entrance and proceeded towards the Al-Neqar neighborhood and the Kafr Saba area. Troops conducted searches before withdrawing. In the town of Azzun, Israeli forces entered from the northern entrance, deploying in the Al-Mantar neighborhood and the Triangle area, before eventually pulling back without reporting any arrests or injuries.

These incursions occur amid ongoing Israeli military escalation in the West Bank, characterized by near-daily raids, house searches, the establishment of checkpoints, road closures, and arrest campaigns. Earlier on the same day, Israeli forces arrested eight Palestinians during raids in the city of Jenin and surrounding villages, reportedly searching homes and conducting field interrogations.

Last night, Israeli forces also raided the home of journalist Ali Al-Samoudi in Jenin Governorate, assaulting his son and demanding Al-Samoudi surrender within an hour. Al-Samoudi was not present during the raid, and his current status regarding surrender is unknown. He was previously detained for a year and released on April 30.

Israel states that these operations target wanted individuals and armed cells as part of efforts to prevent attacks. Palestinian sources, however, assert that the expanded military operations restrict civilian movement and disrupt daily life. Since the war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, the West Bank has seen a significant increase in raids and incursions, alongside a rise in settler attacks against Palestinians and their property. Palestinian data indicates hundreds of Palestinians killed and thousands arrested in Israeli military operations in the West Bank since the war's commencement, with repeated international calls for de-escalation and civilian protection.