The Times of Israel reports that the IDF has launched wide-scale counterterror raids in the West Bank, which began on Tuesday night. This comes as Palestinian terror groups seek to establish a presence in the northwestern region of the West Bank. The evacuation of civilians from these areas has also been requested.
Violence in the West Bank has soared since the Hamas attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war in October 2023.
More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the war started, according to the PA health ministry. The IDF says the vast majority of them were gunmen killed in exchanges of fire, rioters who clashed with troops, or terrorists carrying out attacks.
During the same period, 63 civilians and Israeli security personnel have been killed in terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Another eight members of the security forces were killed in clashes during raids in Palestinian cities in the West Bank.
Three IDF brigades – the Commando, Samaria, and Menashe regional brigades – carried out the operations with assistance from Border Police officers. As of now, no IDF injuries or deaths have been reported, nor any notable firefights with terrorists.
While enforcing the ceasefire in Gaza, the IDF is also focusing on curbing violence in the West Bank, especially after recent incidents. Even with the prospect of peace as Israel awaits the return of the two remaining hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, the question remains of just how many terrorists will truly lay down their arms. Join The Fellowship in prayer for the continued efforts of the IDF to stave off more conflict as Israel seeks to recover from two years of war.
