Israeli Raids Sweep West Bank as Settler Attacks Escalate, Al-Aqsa Incursions Rise

Israeli occupation forces intensified raids in the West Bank, detaining scores of Palestinians, including a woman and a lawyer. (Photos: via social media, QNN. Design: Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Israeli occupation forces carried out widespread raids across the West Bank, injuring civilians and arresting former prisoners, as settler attacks escalated and a new report documented a sharp rise in Al-Aqsa incursions.

Key Developments

  • Israeli occupation forces arrested about 13 Palestinians in West Bank raids, including former detainees.
  • Four Palestinians were injured during an incursion south of Hebron.
  • Illegal settlers torched agricultural structures near Jerusalem and pursued Palestinian vehicles.
  • More than 65,000 illegal settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2025, marking a significant increase.
  • Jerusalem faces intensified identity revocations, education pressure, and rising poverty rates.

Widespread Detention Campaign

Israeli occupation forces stormed multiple areas across the occupied West Bank on Thursday, arresting approximately 13 Palestinians, including released prisoners, according to Quds News Network.

In Qalqilya, Israeli occupation forces spread across neighborhoods and arrested six citizens after raiding their homes. Among those detained were former prisoners Ammar Shobaki, Hossam Abu Labda, Amin Saasaa, Lotfi Jaidi, Anas Malek Daoud, and Sharif Ghalyoun Shreim.

In the town of Salem, east of Nablus, Israeli occupation forces arrested former prisoner Khaled Akef Ishtayeh and the boy Muhammad Imran Awad.

In Kafr Qalil, south of Nablus, forces raided homes, searched them, destroyed contents, and arrested Da’as al-Quni. He was reportedly severely beaten before being released.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said its crews treated three injuries resulting from beatings by Israeli occupation soldiers, including a 60-year-old woman, a 58-year-old man, and a 24-year-old young man, all of whom were transferred to the hospital.

Israeli occupation forces also stormed Balata camp east of Nablus, raiding the home of Islam Amer, who had been arrested the previous day, detaining Sameh Al-Asmar. Raids were also carried out in Beit Iba without reported arrests.

In Tulkarm, Israeli occupation forces arrested lawyer Mo’men Muhammad al-Safi after raiding his home, as well as Aya Hatem Faqha in Kafr al-Labad and Muhammad Abdul-Dayem from Tulkarm camp. In Jenin’s Jaba’a, former prisoner Yahya Fakhoury was also detained.

Separately, the Anadolu news agency reported that Israeli occupation forces raided Al-Tabaqa south of Hebron (Al-Khalil) late Wednesday, injuring four Palestinians. One was shot with live ammunition, while others were beaten. Troops reportedly fired live rounds and stun grenades as clashes broke out.

In Huwwara, south of Nablus, Israeli occupation forces detained a Palestinian after assaulting him, according to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. Troops reportedly closed the main road, searched homes, and detained several young men and children.

Record 129 Journalists Killed in 2025 – Israel Responsible for Two-Thirds, Says CPJ

Settler Violence and Agricultural Arson

Anadolu also reported that illegal Israeli Jewish settlers set fire to agricultural structures in the Al-Shamis area near Al-Wadi Al-Awaj northeast of occupied Jerusalem, citing the Al-Baidar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights.

The organization said the blaze caused material damage to farming facilities. Armed settlers were also reported to have pursued a Palestinian vehicle from the Al-Ma’azi community, attempting to block the road and seize the vehicle before residents intervened.

Settler attacks have intensified alongside army incursions since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. Palestinian data cited by Anadolu indicates that more than 1,116 Palestinians have been killed, around 11,500 injured, and approximately 22,000 arrested in the occupied West Bank during this period.

Surge in Al-Aqsa Incursions – Report

In a separate development, Quds News Network cited a report by the Quds International Foundation stating that 65,364 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2025, marking a 22 percent increase compared to the previous year. Israeli data cited in the report placed the figure at 76,448 intrusions, reflecting an increase of nearly 31 percent.

The report documented 20 incursions by Israeli political figures into the mosque compound during 2025, compared to nine in the previous year. Among those named were National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and several Knesset members.

Raid on Balata Refugee Camp, Settlers Torch Palestinian Homes near Hebron

According to the foundation’s report, Israeli authorities extended incursion hours, increased group sizes to between 120 and 200 settlers, and shortened intervals between groups, measures described as attempts to alter the status quo at the compound.

The report also addressed broader measures affecting Jerusalem residents, including the withdrawal of 14,929 Jerusalem IDs between 1967 and 2024. It highlighted a shortage of 1,461 classrooms in the city and noted that approximately 27 percent of Palestinian students aged 6 to 17 are enrolled in the Israeli curriculum.

Poverty levels remain acute, with about 77 percent of Jerusalemite families reportedly living below the poverty line.

(PC, QNN, Anadolu, WAFA)

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