(The Hill) — In a sweeping overnight operation from Friday into Saturday, Israeli military forces apprehended more than 70 individuals throughout the occupied West Bank. This action followed a deadly clash in a northern Palestinian village that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians.
Amin Shuman, who leads the Palestinian higher commission for the affairs of prisoners, informed the Associated Press that over 80 Palestinians were taken into custody across the West Bank. He accused Israel of enforcing “collective punitive measures and retaliatory policies,” highlighting the tense atmosphere in the region.
Even as the situation unfolded, Israeli troops remained stationed in the village of Tell on Saturday. Local reports indicate extensive military operations were underway, including a significant raid at the Nablus Specialty Hospital, located in the nearby city of Nablus.
Ghassan Barkat, director of the hospital, recounted to the AP a harrowing scene where “more than 50 armed soldiers and officers stormed the hospital, instilling fear among patients.” The incursion, which took place on Friday, saw military personnel detain hospital staff and patients, and arrest an injured Palestinian amid witnesses that included women and children.
“Such actions have no place in a healthcare setting,” Barkat expressed to the news outlet.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said four Palestinians were killed by Israeli gunfire during the clashes. The Israeli military confirmed that two Israeli soldiers were killed, including one who served in a local settler defense squad. Two other Israelis and four Palestinians were wounded.
While a fragile ceasefire has largely halted large-scale fighting, Israel has continued carrying out airstrikes in Gaza, where Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.