In the aftermath of the tragic events in Gaza referred to as the “hospital massacre,” Palestinian Authority forces have initiated a crackdown on rallies throughout the occupied West Bank. This decisive action comes as a response to escalating tensions and protests sparked by the devastating incident in Gaza.
In response to the Israeli bombing of a Gaza hospital, which has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 500 lives, Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces resorted to using live ammunition to disperse protests that erupted across the occupied West Bank. These protests, reported by local media, witnessed hundreds of people rallying in various cities, including Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, Tubas, and more.
Protesters marched towards local PA headquarters, voicing their demands for stronger action against Israel and increased support for the Gaza Strip. The Israeli bombing of Gaza commenced on October 7, triggered by a surprise assault on Israel by Palestinian fighters, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 lives.
In the subsequent 12 days, retaliatory Israeli air strikes have claimed the lives of more than 3,500 Palestinians, with casualties including over 1,000 children and 1,000 women. Approximately one million individuals have been displaced, seeking refuge in hospitals and schools, while Israel intensifies its blockade of the enclave.
On Tuesday, Palestinian Authority (PA) forces resorted to the use of live fire and other crowd dispersal methods to quell protests, resulting in at least one person being wounded in Tubas. Footage aired on Al Jazeera depicted a Palestinian armored vehicle making an attempt to disperse protesters in Ramallah, which serves as the PA’s headquarters.
Simultaneously, there were reports of shooting attacks targeting Israeli settlements and military checkpoints across the West Bank. Exchanges of fire were documented in cities such as Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Hebron, and Tulkarm. Protests also extended into occupied East Jerusalem, leading to confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces in neighborhoods like Silwan, Shufat, Wadi al-Joz, and Kafr Aqab. Local media reported the use of live fire, tear gas, and “skunk water” by Israeli forces to disperse the protests. In the village of Nabi Saleh near Ramallah, Israeli forces fatally shot one Palestinian protester, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.
Since October 7, Israeli soldiers and settlers have been involved in incidents resulting in the deaths of at least 61 Palestinians, including 18 children. The eruption of these protests in the occupied West Bank underscores the growing resentment against PA President Mahmoud Abbas, whose security forces have faced criticism for their cooperation with Israel. tragic events in Gaza
On Tuesday, President Abbas canceled a scheduled meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in Jordan, choosing to return to Ramallah via a Jordanian helicopter, the base of the Palestinian Authority.