Coordinated attacks by what are described as illegal paramilitary Israeli colonizers targeted multiple areas of the occupied West Bank on Friday, impacting Palestinian communities in Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem. These attacks targeted cemeteries, mosques, agricultural land, and residents.
Attacks Across the West Bank
In the village of Bir al‑Basha, colonizers reportedly entered the “Iraqi Martyrs Cemetery” using all-terrain vehicles and conducted tours of the grounds. Later, the same group blocked a road near Arraba, disrupting traffic and restricting movement.
The Nablus district saw the destruction of the contents of the Sheikh Mosque in Khirbet Tana, east of Beit Furik. Thaer Hanani, head of the Khirbet Tana Land Defense Committee, stated the mosque was vandalized and fencing around nearby orchards was damaged.
Residents in Qusra, south of Nablus, were also targeted, with the assault occurring under the presence of Israeli occupation forces. Protests followed, resulting in multiple suffocation injuries after soldiers deployed live ammunition, gas bombs, and concussion grenades.
In the Bethlehem district, dozens of colonizers, accompanied by Israeli occupation forces, entered the Solomon’s Pools area between al‑Khader and Artas. Israeli forces reportedly secured the site before allowing colonizers access.
Separate invasions by Israeli occupation forces were also reported in Qalqilia, Ramallah, Tubas, Jenin, and the Qalandia refugee camp. Further invasions occurred in the Hebron district Friday evening, with reports of tear gas deployment, assaults on civilians, property damage, and the abduction of a Palestinian man in Dura.
The events occurred against a backdrop of established international legal frameworks. Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits acts of terror against civilian populations. Article 49 prohibits the transfer of populations into occupied territory and forcible transfers of protected persons. Articles 53 and 147 prohibit the destruction of civilian property and classify pillage as a war crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas were specifically targeted?
The attacks targeted areas in Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, as well as Qalqilia, Ramallah, Tubas, Jenin, the Qalandia refugee camp, and the Hebron district.
What actions were taken against residents?
Residents were attacked in Qusra, and in Dura, a Palestinian man was abducted during a home invasion. Soldiers used live ammunition, gas bombs, and concussion grenades during protests in Qusra, causing suffocation injuries.
What is the legal status of the colonies?
All of Israel’s colonies in the occupied West Bank, including those in and around occupied East Jerusalem, are illegal under International Law, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and various United Nations and Security Council resolutions.
What impact might these events have on the future of the region?
