Israeli Forces Arrest Two Palestinians Suspected in Gilad Farm Fire in West Bank

A fire broke out at Gilad Farm in the West Bank, causing several houses to catch fire. Israeli Border Police and IDF forces arrested two Palestinian suspects today, Monday, on suspicion of involvement in setting the fire. The suspects were transferred to the Judea and Samaria District Central Unit for further investigation. Police stated that the suspects will remain in custody pending the investigation's findings and possible extension of their detention. Security forces emphasized their commitment to thoroughly pursue anyone involved in harming public safety and property.

Firefighting efforts involved 45 firefighting and rescue teams from across Israel, supported by a firefighting helicopter and eight aircraft conducting repeated aerial water drops. Ground teams worked to extinguish hotspots and create firebreaks to prevent the fire's spread. A security source noted that initial investigations by the Fire and Rescue Authority and police found no conclusive evidence of arson, suggesting the fire may have started from a discarded cigarette near a main road close to both settlements and villages, though the fire quickly spread to Gilad Farm. The possibility of arson has not been entirely ruled out.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and the involvement of the suspects, with further legal proceedings expected based on the investigation results.