Israel’s West Bank raids intensify along with settler violence
Israeli operations target Palestinian towns as arrests, demolitions and attacks on property raise international concern
RAMALLAH, Palestine (MNTV) — Israeli forces carried out raids across more than 20 towns and villages in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem on Monday, with Palestinian officials reporting arrests, demolitions and disruptions at civilian facilities amid rising settler violence.
The Jerusalem Governorate said Israeli troops entered a vocational training center operated by the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) in the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East Jerusalem, using tear gas and detaining staff members.
According to Palestinian officials, soldiers entered the facility while dozens of employees and students were present for summer training, forcing them to gather in one area as military operations continued inside the compound.
The raid came weeks after Palestinian authorities warned of possible Israeli plans to demolish the UNRWA training center. Israel has previously restricted UNRWA operations in occupied East Jerusalem, citing security concerns and accusing the agency of political bias, allegations rejected by the organization.
Across the West Bank, Palestinian media reported Israeli military incursions in several locations, including Beita near Nablus, Nilin west of Ramallah, and Arrabeh in Jenin, where military bulldozers accompanied Israeli forces.
Arrests were also reported in areas including Deir al-Ghusun, Balata refugee camp, Asira al-Shamaliya, Qalqilya, Anabta, Beit Furik and other towns. Palestinian sources said dozens of people were detained during the operations.
In one reported incident, Israeli forces stopped an ambulance transporting a pregnant woman from Qaryut to a hospital in Nablus, with Palestinian media reporting that the delay contributed to a medical emergency resulting in a miscarriage. The claim could not be independently verified.
The military operations coincided with increased reports of settler attacks against Palestinian communities and property.
Palestinian residents reported assaults near Taybeh village east of Ramallah and damage to agricultural land in Al-Burj village near Hebron after settlers allegedly released livestock among olive trees.
Palestinian officials and rights groups have accused Israeli forces of failing to prevent settler violence, while Israeli authorities have said security operations are aimed at addressing threats and maintaining order.
The escalation has drawn international condemnation. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to world leaders, the European Union, the Arab League and the UN Security Council for action over what he described as worsening attacks against Palestinians.
UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese described recent settler attacks as serious assaults against civilians.
Several Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar and others, also condemned reported attacks, including the burning of a mosque in Tulkarem.
The Spanish government called on Israel to reverse settlement expansion policies and prevent violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians.
The developments come amid continued instability in the West Bank since October 2023. Palestinian officials and regional organizations report that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military operations in the territory during this period, alongside ongoing violence linked to armed groups and settler attacks.
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