Israeli Forces Critically Wound Palestinians, Including Child, in West Bank Raids

At least three Palestinians, including a 14-year-old child, were critically wounded by Israeli army gunfire and an attack by illegal settlers in the occupied West Bank. The incidents occurred amid escalating tensions and violence in the region since Israel launched a deadly military offensive against the Gaza Strip on October 7

Why this matters: The ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the occupied West Bank have significant implications for regional stability and the international community's ability to protect civilians. The ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the occupied West Bank have significant implications for regional stability and the international community's ability to protect civilians. The escalation of violence and systematic arrest campaigns highlights the need for urgent international intervention and accountability to prevent further humanitarian crises.

In the town of Anabta, east of Tulkarem, two Palestinians were rushed to Tulkarem Hospital after being shot by Israeli forces. One of the victims was shot in the head. Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli soldiers fired "heavily and indiscriminately" towards civilians during the raid, injuring a young man who was present in his father's shop on the town's main street.

Meanwhile, in Qusra, south of Nablus, a 14-year-old child suffered a serious chest injury after being shot by illegal Israeli settlers. Fuad Hassan, an activist with the Settlement Resistance Committee, stated that settlers from the Yish Kodesh settlement, dressed in military uniforms, attacked Palestinians in Qusra, firing live bullets and critically wounding the child.

The injured Palestinians include Mohammed Saber Youssef Adas, 49, from Anabta, who works in the presidential guard, the 14-year-old child from Qusra, and the young man from Anabta. They received treatment at Tulkarem Hospital and Rafidia Hospital.

These incidents are part of a broader context of violence and human rights abuses in the occupied territories. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that at least 492 Palestinians have been killed and around 4,900 others injured by the Israeli army in the occupied West Bank since the start of the Gaza offensive in October 2023.

Israel also faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). In January, the ICJ issued an interim ruling ordering Israel to stop genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The Israeli military offensive against Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, has claimed the lives of more than 34,600 people.

In addition to the violence, Israeli forces continue to carry out systematic arrest campaigns in the occupied West Bank. On Wednesday evening and Thursday morning, at least 15 Palestinian citizens were arrested, including a woman from Ramallah who was taken hostage and former prisoners. The arrests, accompanied by widespread raids, abuse, and destruction of citizens' homes, bring the total number of arrests since October 7 to approximately 8,550.

The Prisoners' and Ex-Prisoners' Affairs Authority and the Prisoners' Club stress that these systematic arrest campaigns have reached a record high since October 7, involving not only a high number of detainees but also a significant level of crimes committed during the raids.

The situation in the occupied West Bank continues to deteriorate, with the ongoing violence, human rights abuses, and systematic arrest campaigns highlighting the urgent need for international intervention and accountability. The international community must take decisive action to protect Palestinian civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and hold those responsible for violations of international law to account.

Key Takeaways

• 3 Palestinians, including a 14-year-old, critically wounded by Israeli army and settlers in West Bank.
• 492 Palestinians killed, 4,900 injured by Israeli army in West Bank since October 7.
• Israel accused of genocide at International Court of Justice, ordered to stop genocidal acts.
• 8,550 Palestinians arrested, including women and former prisoners, in systematic arrest campaigns.
• International community urged to intervene, protect civilians, and hold violators accountable.