Israeli army raids West Bank cities, detains more Palestinians

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - The Israeli army stormed early Monday several cities in the occupied West Bank, including Tulkarm and its refugee camp, demolishing infrastructure and detaining people, Anadolu learned.

Military bulldozers excavated and destroyed infrastructure and there were armed clashes throughout the raid, witnesses said. Houses and shops were also ransacked.

The forces imposed tightened restrictions around the refugee camp deploying snipers in buildings while beginning to excavate the streets, Palestine's official news agency Wafa said.

Other towns and cities raided included Balata refugee camp east of Nablus, and the town of Dura in Hebron.

Tensions have been high across the West Bank since Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip after a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

At least 459 Palestinians have since been killed and around 4,750 others injured by Israeli army fire in the occupied territory, according to the Health Ministry.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul