Title: Escalating Violence in the West Bank: More than 100 Palestinians Killed Since Gaza Conflict Began
Introduction:
The occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence since the eruption of war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist rulers of Gaza, on October 7. The health ministry reports that over 100 Palestinians have lost their lives during this period. This article delves into the escalating violence in the West Bank, highlighting the causes and consequences of the conflict.
Rising Death Toll in the West Bank:
Even before the Gaza war, violence had been escalating in the West Bank, resulting in the highest death toll in the Palestinian territory since at least 2005. The majority of Palestinian deaths occurred during Israeli raids, but there has also been an increase in violence between Palestinians and Israeli settlers, leading to casualties on both sides. Since October 7, the Palestinian death toll has reached 101, according to the health ministry based in Ramallah. In contrast, the Israeli military reported one member of the security forces killed during a raid.
Recent Incidents:
The latest wave of violence has claimed the lives of three Palestinians in Jenin, one in Qalqilya, and another in Qalandia. The health ministry attributed their deaths to Israeli “bullets and missiles.” The Israeli military stated that it launched a drone strike on “terrorists” in the densely populated Jenin refugee camp, responding to armed terrorists who fired at and hurled explosive devices at Israeli security forces. Additionally, soldiers engaged with armed terrorists in the nearby town of Bruqin, resulting in two detentions. The military has not yet commented on the deaths in Qalqilya and Qalandia.
Background on the West Bank:
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Arab-Israeli war in 1967 and withdrew from Gaza in 2005, subsequently imposing a crippling blockade on the coastal territory. The recent Gaza conflict, which has been the deadliest so far, began when Hamas militants attacked Israel, leading to the deaths of over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and the taking of 222 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel has bombarded the Gaza Strip, resulting in a reported death toll of 5,791 people in Hamas-controlled Gaza, predominantly civilians.
Consequences and International Response:
The escalating violence in the West Bank has raised concerns globally. The United Nations and various countries have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians. The international community recognizes the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the importance of addressing the underlying causes to prevent further loss of life.
Conclusion:
The West Bank has become a hotbed of violence since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict. More than 100 Palestinians have lost their lives, with both Israeli raids and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers contributing to the rising death toll. The recent incidents in Jenin, Qalqilya, and Qalandia further highlight the volatile situation on the ground. As the international community calls for an end to hostilities, it is crucial to find a peaceful resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the safety and well-being of all civilians in the region.