By Ikram Kouachi
Five more Palestinians were killed in Israeli army attacks in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number since Oct. 7 to 90, according to the Health Ministry.
The latest casualties were reported in the cities of Jenin, Tubas, Qabatiya and Nablus, three of them by Israeli gunfire and two others as a result of a bombing that targeted a mosque.
The West Bank is witnessing rising tension and on-ground confrontations between Palestinians and the Israeli army, coinciding with the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip.
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.
At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.