Illegal Israeli settlers, soldiers raid occupied West Bank villages, triggering clashes with Palestinians

​​​​​​​By Awad Rjoob

RAMALLAH (AA) - Illegal Israeli settlers and soldiers stormed several villages and towns in the occupied West Bank overnight Saturday, leading to confrontations with Palestinian residents.

Palestinian Television reported that one person was injured during a raid by settlers who were protected by the army in the village of Umm Safa in northern Ramallah.

The report did not specify the nature or source of the injury.

The official Palestinian news agency Wafa indicated that dozens of illegal settlers entered Umm Safa, firing live bullets at homes.

The head of the local village council, Marwan Sabah, said settlers positioned at Jabal al-Ras attacked the village and fired live ammunition at homes, with the backing of the Israeli army.

He added that two young men suffered bruises and fractures as they tried to flee the targeted area and were subsequently taken to the hospital.

In northwestern Ramallah, the army raided the village of Deir Abu Mash’al.

Wafa said there were no reports of arrests or confrontations.

Further north in the West Bank, Wafa reported that the town of Zeita in northern Tulkarem, witnessed clashes between residents and Israeli soldiers.

Soldiers fired live bullets and tear gas but no injuries were reported.

Additionally, the army raided three villages in southern Nablus -- Madama, Urif and Yatma -- searching homes and facing confrontations, though no injuries or arrests were mentioned.

In the southern West Bank, witnesses told Anadolu that the army entered the town of Dura in western Hebron, setting up roadblocks and checking the identification of vehicle owners.

Witnesses noted that Israeli forces confiscated several items from residents, including a vehicle and a motorcycle.

Wafa also noted the army’s presence in the town of Al-Khader in southern Bethlehem, where soldiers spread out across multiple areas.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul