Israeli forces conducted a significant incursion into the Palestinian administrative capital of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, marking their largest raid into the city in years. Witnesses reported a heavy military presence, with dozens of Israeli military vehicles entering Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas.
Tragically, amid the raid, a 16-year-old Palestinian, Mustafa Abu Shalbak, lost his life in the Am'ari refugee camp. According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces shot and killed Abu Shalbak during confrontations that erupted as they stormed the camp. Reports indicate that live bullets were fired at Palestinian youths, resulting in fatal injuries to Abu Shalbak.
The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident.
The escalation of violence in the West Bank, concurrent with the conflict in Gaza, has led to a surge in casualties, with over 400 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces and settlers. Israeli incursions into Palestinian territories have become a frequent occurrence, exacerbating tensions and perpetuating cycles of violence.
Witnesses also reported Israeli forces tearing up a main road in the West Bank city of Tulkarm during a separate raid. Additionally, Israeli forces were said to have stormed Nablus, where they demolished the home of Moaz al-Masri, who was accused by Israel of involvement in an attack resulting in the deaths of a British-Israeli mother and her two daughters in April. Al-Masri himself was killed by Israeli forces in Nablus the following May.
In a series of overnight raids across the West Bank, Israeli forces detained at least 55 Palestinians, according to The Palestinian Prisoners Club, further exacerbating tensions and adding to the cycle of conflict and unrest gripping the region.
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