Israeli Hikers Enter Nablus Amid Clashes, One Wounded and Several Affected by Gas
On Friday morning, several hiking groups entered the area near Gilad Farm and the village of Tal in the West Bank, close to where a deadly attack occurred a week earlier that killed two Israeli soldiers, Lt. Col. Yuval Ezra and retired Sgt. Binyahu Malat. The hikers aimed to send a message that terrorism would not stop them from continuing their activities. Although the Israeli military was not officially informed of the hikes, it prepared to prevent unusual incidents.
Tensions escalated when one group entered the city of Nablus (Shechem). According to Palestinian reports, Israeli forces fired stun grenades and tear gas toward homes. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported a 32-year-old man injured by gunfire and ten others, including children, suffering from tear gas inhalation during clashes involving Israeli soldiers and settlers in the village of Al-Junayd west of Nablus. Palestinian news agency Wafa noted that dozens of settlers also entered Tal and Al-Amariya.
The IDF stated that Israeli civilians entered the outskirts of Nablus in the Samaria Division area. Palestinians threw stones at the Israelis, prompting one Israeli to fire warning shots into the air with no injuries reported. The military also received reports of vandalism at a cemetery. IDF forces dispersed the crowds and escorted the civilians out of the city. Later, stones were thrown at IDF troops, who responded by firing toward a main instigator. The IDF emphasized that entry into Area A is forbidden and dangerous for Israelis and constitutes a legal offense.
The hiking groups, including "David and Ahikam Hikers," started from Har Bracha toward their planned endpoint in the Mitzpe Yishai neighborhood of Kedumim. The hike was not coordinated through official military channels, though the IDF was indirectly aware of it via Gilad Farm. The previous week, Palestinians had thrown stones at hikers near Tal, culminating in the fatal attack. Following that, several hikes were organized to demonstrate resilience, with hundreds expected to participate.
An IDF source reiterated that the hike was not approved through standard coordination and that the military was prepared to provide broad protection in the area. The hike passed through Areas A and B, with entry into Area A prohibited by law. Before the war, the IDF allowed limited access to Area A for specific sites, but since the conflict began, no permits have been granted for Area A, while permits for Area B hikes continue. Although hiking in Area B is not a criminal offense, responsibility lies with the hikers themselves.
