Clashes erupt in West Bank as Palestinians protest Israeli attacks on Gaza

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Clashes erupted across the occupied West Bank between the Israeli army and Palestinians demonstrating against the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu that clashes occurred at the entrance of Ramallah city, central to the West Bank, following a protest by Palestinians. The Israeli army employed live and rubber-coated bullets, as well as tear gas canisters, to disperse the Palestinians who were throwing rocks at the Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, clashes were reported near the Israeli Ofer Prison, west of Ramallah city, near the entrance of Bethlehem city, and in Nablus city in southern Gaza.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported treating three Palestinians injured by Israeli live fire.

Since Oct. 7, the Israeli forces killed 81 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank in addition to some 1,400 others injured.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar