The occupation pushes the West Bank toward explosion; a new camp on the invasion list
The occupied Palestinian territories are witnessing an accelerated Israeli escalation that reflects a clear trend toward expanding military operations in the West Bank, alongside intensified house demolitions, settlement activities, and the imposition of further facts on the ground as part of a policy aimed at tightening control over Palestinian lands.
This development comes as raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinian institutions continue, while the aggression on the Gaza Strip persists in parallel with political moves to revive ceasefire negotiations.
In the latest escalation, Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued orders to the army to expand its offensive operations in the West Bank and prepare to occupy an additional Palestinian camp, similar to those in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nour Shams, which have seen widespread military operations, displacement of residents, and permanent deployment of occupation forces, according to a statement from the Israeli Security Ministry. Ben-Gvir also claimed that this policy has led to an 80 percent reduction in Palestinian operations, affirming the continuation of what he described as an aggressive approach in the West Bank.
This trend coincides with an increase in demolition operations across various areas of the West Bank. The Palestinian News Agency (Wafa) reported that occupation forces demolished more than 13 homes and three facilities within 24 hours in the governorates of Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Jenin, including homes in Deir Razeh south of Hebron and the village of Shqba west of Ramallah, as well as residential structures and livestock pens in the Ein al-Hilweh settlement in the northern Jordan Valley. These actions were accompanied by complaints that residents were prevented from removing their belongings before the demolitions were carried out.
Widespread arrest campaigns have also continued. The Palestinian Prisoners Club announced that occupation authorities carried out more than 3,600 arrests in the West Bank during the first half of 2026, including 276 children and 107 women. Meanwhile, the total number of arrests since the start of the war on Gaza has exceeded 24,600, according to Palestinian data.
The escalation has extended to religious, media, and international institutions, after occupation forces raided the headquarters of "Al-Huda for the Holy Quran" radio station in Qalqilya, closed the facility, and confiscated its contents following the posting of a notice allegedly banning the institution. Occupation forces also raided the Qalandia Training Center belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), detaining students and staff inside. The move drew condemnation from the Arab League and Egypt, which viewed the step as a violation of international law and the immunity of UN facilities, calling on the international community to act to protect the agency and its installations.
In Jerusalem, 176 settlers raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the protection of occupation forces, performing rituals within its courtyards. Palestinian sources reported that more than 5,411 settlers raided the mosque during the past week, marking one of the highest rates of incursions in recent times.
Palestinian circles warn that the growing settler attacks and settlement expansion, alongside Israeli military operations, are pushing the situation in the West Bank toward further tension. This occurs amid ongoing calls within the Israeli government to tighten control over the West Bank and enhance the annexation project. Reports also indicate an increase in confrontations, settler attacks, and closure and arrest operations in several Palestinian villages and towns.
In the Gaza Strip, medical sources announced that the war toll has risen to 73,333 martyrs and 174,230 injured since October 7, 2023. During the past 24 hours, Gaza hospitals received four martyrs and 14 injured, as ambulance crews continue to face difficulties reaching some victims.
In parallel, Hamas announced that its negotiating delegation would travel to Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials, mediators, and Palestinian factions, in order to complete negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, aiming to consolidate the truce and ensure the implementation of agreed-upon humanitarian and political commitments.
