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Israel ‘Bans’ Arab Foreign Ministers Planned Visit to West Bank, Faces Backlash

June 1, 2025, 5:00 pm

Israel has rejected a scheduled visit by Arab foreign ministers to the West Bank, which is under occupation. The gathering, hosted by Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, was meant to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

Israel denied them permission, mentioning security reasons. The Arab ministers and Palestinian leaders have issued stiff criticism for the action.

Arab Ministers Condemn Israel’s Decision

The Jordanian foreign ministry said the ministers roundly condemned Israel’s “ban” on visiting Ramallah. Israel occupies the borders and airspace of the West Bank, so the ministers needed Israeli permission to go in.

Israel thwarted the visit late on Friday, calling it a “provocative” bid to advance Palestinian statehood. An Israeli spokesman stated, “Israel will not cooperate with actions intended to undermine its security.”

Palestinian Leaders Denounce Israeli Move

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) deputy chairman, Hussein Al Sheikh, labeled Israel’s decision a “dangerous escalation.” He termed it “arrogant, provocative, and unprecedented behavior.” Al Sheikh stated that Palestinians and their Arab allies are now planning their response to the ban.

This Israeli move is just before an important global conference on Palestinian statehood. France and Saudi Arabia will jointly host the conference in New York from June 17 to 20. The UN and most European nations support a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state and Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron recently referred to Palestinian recognition as a “moral duty” and “political necessity.”

Recent Israeli Moves and Escalating Violence

There has been heightened tension in the area. Israeli troops recently shot close to a diplomatic mission convoy – which had diplomats from the EU, UK, Russia, and China – in the Jenin refugee camp, leading to international outcry. The soldiers allegedly fired warning shots after the caravan strayed from a planned route, according to Israel.

At the same time, Israel keeps expanding settlements in occupied territories. The authorities are planning 22 new ones and legalizing unauthorized settlements. Palestinians and human rights organizations resolutely protest against these actions. The International Court of Justice pronounced Israel’s occupation unlawful and required evacuating all settlements.

Human Cost of Conflict

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military strikes in Gaza and the West Bank have resulted in heavy losses. No less than 972 Palestinians were killed in the West Bank, and over 7,000 were wounded. Over 1,100 Israelis were killed in attacks by Hamas, and over 200 were kidnapped.

The Gaza Strip lost worse. Palestinian officials report more than 54,000 killed and over 124,000 wounded. The government press office most recently put the death toll at more than 61,700, citing large numbers of missing people assumed dead under the debris.

This blockade on the Arab ministers’ visit marks the extent of how vulnerable and tense the region is. It emphasizes the need for fresh dialogue and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at an early stage. The world looks on as events progress.

‘Warning Shots’: Israeli Forces Fire Near Diplomats In West Bank | WATCH

May 22, 2025, 7:17 am

Israeli soldiers fired “warning shots” near a delegation of 25 diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday. The delegation was on an official mission, organised by the Palestinian Authority, to assess the humanitarian conditions in the area.

According to the Israeli military (IDF), although the visit had received prior approval, the diplomats allegedly “deviated from the approved route,” prompting soldiers to fire warning shots to steer them away from the area. The IDF stated it regretted “the inconvenience caused” and added that senior officials would brief the diplomats following an internal review.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

can you do a visual investigation of this video to debunk this talking point?
Here you can see (0:07 sec) that they didnt fire warning shots in the air, they fired straight in the direction of the diplomats and hit a Palestinian house:pic.twitter.com/BOlj3eXM07

— KinimodS (@realKinimods) May 21, 2025

Gunfire Erupts During Diplomatic Visit

Palestinian officials accused Israeli forces of opening heavy fire from inside the camp to intimidate the diplomatic team, which included ambassadors from 31 countries such as Italy, Jordan, Egypt, the UK, and Canada. The firing took place while several diplomats were speaking to the media, forcing the group to seek immediate shelter.

Video footage from the scene captured the moment shots rang out unexpectedly, disrupting the interviews. No Indian diplomats were part of the mission, an Indian official confirmed to PTI.

Jenin has been a flashpoint in the West Bank, with a major Israeli operation in January displacing tens of thousands of Palestinians, one of the largest forced movements in recent years.

This is a developing story.

UK Demands Probe After Diplomats Caught In Israeli Gunfire In West Bank

May 22, 2025, 1:13 am

British Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, has called for a full investigation after Israeli gunfire endangered British diplomats near a diplomatic delegation in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank.

In a statement on X, Falconer condemned the incident as “unacceptable” and emphasized the importance of civilian protection and diplomatic safety. “I’ve spoken to our diplomats who were affected,” he said. “Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats permitted to do their job.”

He emphasized accountability, calling on the authorities to probe the incident in depth and bring those responsible to book.”.

WHO Sounds Alarm on Rising Violence in West Bank, Impacting Healthcare

February 26, 2025, 2:51 pm

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, warning about the severe impact these ongoing conflicts are having on healthcare in the region. The violence has intensified sharply in recent months, with frequent attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, making it increasingly difficult to provide medical services. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO’s representative in the Palestinian territories, emphasized that the situation is worsening, with attacks on healthcare becoming “starkly rising” and obstructing vital health services.

The conflict has reached new heights with Israel deploying tanks into the West Bank for the first time in over two decades. Israel’s military operations are focused on Palestinian militant groups, particularly in the refugee camps within the West Bank. The Israeli government has warned that these operations are essential to protect the security of Israeli citizens, but this has raised serious concerns about the safety and accessibility of healthcare for Palestinians living in the affected areas.

The WHO reports that the frequency of attacks on healthcare workers and facilities has significantly increased. In 2025 alone, there have been 44 incidents affecting the provision of healthcare, resulting in the deaths of patients who were unable to access ambulances in time, as well as injuries to medical workers who were caught in the crossfire while trying to help those in need. The WHO has also highlighted the severe movement restrictions imposed on both healthcare workers and ambulances, further exacerbating the challenges of providing medical care to those affected by violence.

From October 7, 2023, the date when the Hamas-led attack on Israel triggered the latest war, to mid-February 2025, 25 healthcare workers and patients were killed, with 121 others injured. The restrictions on movement, including roadblocks and other military-imposed barriers, have hindered emergency response efforts. The WHO has been providing emergency medical supplies and trauma kits to hospitals in the West Bank, but the ongoing violence continues to undermine these efforts.

Additionally, the situation in the West Bank is becoming increasingly dire, as large numbers of Palestinians have been displaced by the violence. Over 40,000 Palestinians from the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm in northern West Bank have fled their homes due to Israeli military operations. These operations, which began following a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, have already claimed the lives of 82 Palestinians between January and February 2025. As the situation continues to worsen, the WHO is calling for greater international attention and support to protect healthcare access and ensure that life-saving medical services can continue amidst the violence.

The attacks on healthcare facilities, the deaths of patients and medical workers, and the displacement of thousands of civilians have highlighted the dire need for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The WHO’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the toll that violence takes on innocent civilians, particularly when it disrupts the most fundamental aspects of society, such as healthcare.

With the continued escalation of violence, the WHO has called for greater protection for medical personnel and facilities, urging all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of healthcare workers and facilities during conflicts. However, the growing concern is that without a lasting political solution, the cycle of violence will persist, further endangering the lives of vulnerable civilians and medical personnel in the region.

War Drums In The West Bank! Israel To Continue Military Action For 12 More Months

February 24, 2025, 10:17 am

Israel has deployed tanks to the West Bank city of Jenin, marking the first such action in over two decades. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) justified the deployment as a necessary measure for an operation expected to last at least a year. This move comes amid uncertainty regarding the future of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Extended Military Operation in Urban Hotspots

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced on Sunday that military operations in the West Bank will continue to expand, with troops remaining in key urban hotspots throughout the year. Katz also confirmed that 40,000 displaced individuals would not be permitted to return to their homes until the operation concludes. The last instance of Israeli tanks rolling into Jenin was in 2002 during the Second Intifada, a period of intense Palestinian uprisings.

Escalating Violence and Rising Death Toll

The recent military operation in the West Bank was launched just two days after the Gaza ceasefire took effect on January 19. Reports indicate that over 50 people have been killed so far, with significant damage inflicted on roads and infrastructure near refugee camps. The situation is particularly volatile, as these refugee camps, initially established in 1948, have long been centers of Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation.

Terror Attack in Tel Aviv Adds to Growing Unrest

Tensions escalated further on Thursday when multiple bus explosions struck Tel Aviv. The explosives detonated prematurely, causing no casualties. Although Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, praised the attack, they did not officially claim responsibility.

Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Limbo

Meanwhile, negotiations over the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire remain stalled. The proposed phase includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. Although discussions were set to begin this week, no formal agreements have been announced.

Netanyahu Signals Readiness for Renewed Conflict

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel is prepared to resume hostilities in Gaza “at any moment.” He stressed that the war’s objectives would be met “whether through negotiation or other means.” In response, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi asserted that there would be “no dialogue with Israel through mediators” until Palestinian prisoners are released, demanding Israel’s adherence to previous agreements.

As tensions surge in the region, the latest developments indicate that peace remains uncertain, and further escalations could be imminent.

Israeli Airstrike In West Bank Kills Two Palestinians

December 10, 2024, 1:19 am

An Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank city of Tubas killed two Palestinians on Monday, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The two men, aged 26 and 32, were killed by Israeli shelling in northern Tubas. The Israeli military confirmed that its aircraft targeted and killed “several armed individuals” during an operation aimed at apprehending a wanted suspect and disrupting terrorist infrastructure. Weapons were reportedly confiscated in a post-strike raid.

This attack follows a week after the Israeli army besieged Tubas Hospital, entered the premises, and reportedly shot inside, assaulted staff and patients, and made several arrests. The army stated its soldiers were surrounding the hospital to collect bodies of militants, but did not enter the facility. However, AFP journalists witnessed Israeli soldiers leaving the hospital while detaining staff, some in medical attire, and loading them into armored vehicles.

Also Read: How Israel’s Air Force Took Down Assad’s Weapons Before They Were Seized by Rebels

Violence in the West Bank has escalated since the Gaza war began on October 7 last year. The Palestinian health ministry reports that at least 790 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since then, while Palestinian attacks on Israelis have claimed the lives of at least 24 people in the same period. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.

2 Killed In West Bank Airstrike, Israel Defends Action As ‘Terrorist Cell’ Targeting

August 18, 2024, 7:46 am

Palestinian officials reported that two people were killed in an Israeli air strike in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, stating that it targeted a “terrorist cell” in the Jenin area.

According to a statement from the Palestinian health ministry, “Two bodies were transferred to Jenin public hospital after the occupiers (Israeli forces) bombed a car in the centre of the city.” The official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, further reported that the strike was conducted by an “Israeli drone.”

The Israeli military released a statement confirming that it had carried out an “air strike on a terrorist cell in the Jenin area.”

Video footage shared on social media depicted a vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of a street. Additional images showed a crowd gathering around a charred car, with individuals attempting to pry open the doors. A man is heard shouting, “There are dead people in the car,” as rescue workers bring a stretcher to the scene.

This incident is part of a broader surge in violence in the West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and geographically separated from Gaza by Israeli territory. The escalation follows the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7.

Since that date, at least 635 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official reports. During the same period, at least 18 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in attacks carried out by Palestinians, according to Israeli government data.

7 Palestinians killed in Fresh Israeli Airstrikes in West Bank’s Jenin

July 5, 2024, 8:41 pm

Seven people were killed on Friday during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. This came as the Israeli military stated that it was conducting “counterterrorism activity” in the area, which included an airstrike. Since the start of the war on October 7, at least 561 West Bank residents have lost their lives.

According to the military, Israeli soldiers had “encircled a building where terrorists had barricaded themselves” and exchanged fire with those inside. An airstrike targeted and “struck several armed terrorists” in the vicinity.

The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the deaths of seven individuals but did not specify whether they were killed in the exchange of fire or the airstrike. The Islamic Jihad militant group identified four of the deceased as its members.

The clashes in Jenin, a known militant stronghold where the Israeli army frequently operates, occurred a day after an Israeli anti-settlement monitoring group announced government plans to build nearly 5,300 new homes in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Video: Israeli Military Uses Wounded Palestinian Man As Human Shield

June 23, 2024, 4:06 pm

Israeli military, on Sunday, admitted that its forces violated protocol by strapping a wounded Palestinian man to the front of their vehicle during a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident after it was caught on camera and shared on social media, triggering backlash. Notably, there have been multiple incidents of IDF exploiting its powers in both the West Bank and Gaza, since the war started on October 7 last year.

Footage captured the moment Israeli occupation forces drove off a neighbourhood in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, with an injured Palestinian man placed on the hood of their military vehicle on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/A7bTzaqcfP

— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) June 22, 2024

As per the IDF, the Palestinian man, identified as Mujahid Azmi, was a suspect who was wounded in an exchange of fire during the raid. However, his family said that when they asked for an ambulance, the army took him, strapped him to the bonnet of their jeep, and drove off. The individual was eventually transferred to the Red Crescent for treatment.

In light of the horrifying incident, the IDF said that it would investigate the incident. “This morning (Saturday), during counter-terrorism operations to apprehend wanted suspects in the area of Wadi Burqin, terrorists opened fire at IDF troops, who responded with fire,” the IDF statement said. “During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was injured and apprehended. In violation of orders and standard operating procedures, the suspect was taken by the forces while tied on top of a vehicle. The conduct of the forces in the video of the incident does not conform to the values of the IDF. The incident will be investigated and dealt with accordingly,” it added.

Meanwhile, an Israeli man was fatally shot in the Palestinian town of Qalqilya in the northern West Bank on Saturday. This incident occurred as deadly strikes continued to hit northern Gaza. Over 37,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and more than 500 in the West Bank since Israel launched its assault following Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in nearly 150 deaths.

Israeli Man Fatally Shot in West Bank as Gaza Conflict Continues

June 23, 2024, 12:20 pm

An Israeli man was fatally shot in the Palestinian town of Qalqilya in the northern West Bank on Saturday morning, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This incident occurred as deadly strikes continued to hit northern Gaza. Over 37,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and more than 500 in the West Bank since Israel launched its assault following Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in nearly 150 deaths.

In a statement, the Israeli army confirmed the man was pronounced dead after the shooting, and that Israeli troops are currently operating in the area. This comes a day after Israeli forces shot and killed two militants in the same town.

What is Happening in the West Bank?

Violence has intensified in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began in October last year. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 549 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the conflict started. During the same period, Palestinians in the West Bank have killed at least nine Israelis, including five soldiers, according to United Nations data.

Israeli settlers were hit by US sanctions. It only emboldened them

June 6, 2024, 1:28 pm

After being sanctioned by the United States, Israeli settler Yinon Levi struggled financially, living at his farming outpost in the occupied West Bank. However, support from his community and intervention from Israel’s finance minister helped him regain access to his funds. Furthermore, community donations and a $140,000 fundraiser also aided him. Levi is among 13 hard-line settlers and several affiliated outposts targeted for attacks on Palestinians.

Israel’s Finance Minister regained access to funds within 2 months

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right settler leader, criticized the sanctions and promised to assist those affected. Levi regained access to his funds within two months, despite initial financial restrictions. His monthly withdrawal limit was set at $8,000 but he exceeded this amount shortly after regaining access.

Sanctions on Israeli settlers aim to deter violence

Sanctions aim to deter violence by freezing assets and imposing travel bans but have had limited impact on settlers, who report feeling emboldened. Settler violence and land seizures in the West Bank have escalated since Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, with Palestinians alleging increased harassment and displacement.

Rights groups argue that sanctions should be extended to Israeli government officials to more effectively curb settler activities. Despite U.S. concerns, actions to address these issues have been minimal. Palestinians in the West Bank continue to face threats and economic hardships due to expanding settler outposts.

Efforts to address the situation include targeting organizations funding settlement expansion. Critics argue that a more comprehensive approach is needed to enforce the rule of law and support a two-state solution. As settler activities continue, the international community remains divided on effective measures to address the ongoing conflict.