Israel Initiates Large-Scale Military Operation in Nablus
In a significant escalation, Israeli forces commenced an extensive military operation Tuesday in the old city of Nablus, located in the northern West Bank. Just past midnight, dozens of military vehicles entered the area following a curfew announcement broadcasted the previous day.
Intense Clashes in a Densely Populated Area
The operation centered around the old city, a densely crowded neighborhood adjacent to a busy downtown square. Armed confrontations erupted as young men and boys gathered to confront the advancing armored vehicles by burning tires and hurling stones.
According to military reports, an altercation unfolded when two Palestinians attempted to seize a soldier's firearm. The incident resulted in one soldier sustaining moderate injuries and three others suffering lighter wounds. Israeli troops responded with gunfire, ultimately killing the two Palestinians involved — a term frequently employed by the military to indicate the neutralization of militants.
Casualties and Injuries Amid Rising Tensions
While official confirmation of the deaths remains unverified by Palestinian medical teams or the Israeli military, footage captured by media showed Israeli soldiers standing near the bodies of two civilians in one of the narrow streets.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported a surge in casualties, noting three individuals injured by bullet fragments, four victims of physical assaults, and tens suffering from tear gas inhalation. The influx of injuries overwhelmed local medical capacities, especially as ambulances were blocked from entering the old city.
Background: Ongoing Military Campaigns and Escalating Violence
Nablus lies in the West Bank, a region under Israeli occupation since 1967. Since January 21, the northern West Bank has been a focus of a sweeping Israeli military operation known as "Iron Wall." Tuesday’s raid further intensified this crackdown, with soldiers raiding local shops and making multiple arrests for questioning.
Observers also noted Israeli flags raised atop buildings converted into temporary military bases, marking a show of control deep within the city’s heart.
These developments unfold amid a sharp rise in violence across the West Bank since the onset of the Gaza conflict, itself triggered by a large-scale attack carried out on October 7, 2023, by Hamas militants.
Data from Palestinian authorities indicate that at least 938 Palestinians, including both militants and civilians, have died in West Bank clashes involving Israeli forces or settlers since then. Conversely, official Israeli records reveal that at least 35 Israelis, encompassing soldiers and civilians, have lost their lives in attacks or military operations during the same time frame.
The Unfolding Situation
The military operation in Nablus represents the latest chapter in the protracted and volatile conflict that continues to define Israeli-Palestinian relations. With tensions running high and casualties mounting, the situation remains highly fluid, underscoring the challenges of finding stability in the region.
