Israel steps up raids on West Bank after troops killed
Israel has ramped up its raids across the occupied West Bank after two soldiers were killed near Ramallah, arresting dozens of Palestinians during a crackdown overnight.
"Forces apprehended 40 suspects wanted for their involvement in terror activities, popular terror, and violent riots targeting civilians and security forces," the Israeli military said in a statement.
It claimed 37 of those arrested were known to be members of the Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas, which administers the Gaza Strip.
Two Israeli troops were killed after an attacker emerged from a vehicle and shot at soldiers near the settlements of Beit El and Ofra on Thursday. At least two other people, including a soldier, were wounded and the attacker fled.
The attack prompted the Israel regime to deploy troops to the West Bank, setting up checkpoints and blocking roads. Four Palestinians, including a female minor, were detained in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
The alleged shooting came after Israeli forces killed three Palestinians in separate operations over the span of six hours.
In total six people were killed in the most violent 24 hours to hit the West Bank and Jerusalem al-Quds in months.
The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority has blamed Israel’s illegal settlement activities in the occupied territories for the renewed tensions.
On Thursday, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to authorize new settlement units, asking attorney general Avichai Mendelblit to facilitate their construction.
Around 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied West Bank. All Israeli settlements are considered illegal under the international law.
Netanyahu warns Hamas
The Israeli premier also warned that the regime will “take action” against Hamas if the movement does not end “security operations” in the West Bank, Israel Hayom daily reported.
Netanyahu said the Israeli military would not stop its attacks against Gaza if Hamas's alleged operations went on.
The Al Aqsa satellite channel also cited Hamas as marking 31 years since its establishment with a pledge to continue its legitimate right to confront the Israeli occupation.
The Palestinian resistance movement said it will keep up its fight for the removal of the Israeli siege on Gaza, and continue support for the "March of Return" protests in Gaza.
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