Hebron:Israeli forces have escalated their actions in Hebron, detaining and assaulting Palestinians while Israeli colonists have attacked olive pickers in Tel Rumeida. This comes as the assault on the city continues into its eighth consecutive day.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the Israeli forces detained several Palestinians, including a young man, in the besieged areas of al-Jalda and Deir Bahha, preventing residents from returning to their homes from which they had been forcibly displaced. The forces have imposed a tight siege on closed-off neighborhoods, raiding homes and firing tear gas canisters and stun grenades at Palestinians attempting to check on their homes, leading to cases of tear gas inhalation. Seven Palestinians were detained, handcuffed, and subjected to abuse.
In further developments, Israeli forces detained Omar Shawer in the Dakhlet Wadi al-Karm area, set up a stone barricade at the entrance to Wadi Abu Qteileh, and deployed across junctions leading to al-Jalda, restricting Palestinian access. A residential building was converted into a military outpost with Israeli flags hoisted and snipers stationed on the roof. Residents were threatened with gunfire and arrest if they attempted to enter al-Jalda and Deir Bahha.
The Civil Defense has alerted residents to adhere to public safety instructions in areas declared as military zones, due to the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and hazardous materials left behind following military incursions.
In Tel Rumeida, Israeli colonists attacked five Palestinians who were harvesting olives, resulting in bruises and fainting. Resident Ragheb Abu Aisha reported that his family was assaulted and sprayed with pepper spray by colonists, necessitating medical treatment at the scene.