Image Credit: The Guardian
Israeli forces reportedly set fire to the Hisbah market in Nablus, located in the occupied West Bank. According to Palestinian media, the incident occurred when Israeli soldiers threw burning tyres into the market, resulting in a significant blaze. Palestinian news agencies Quds News and Wafa provided initial reports and footage of the incident.
Quds News shared a video of the fire on X, showing flames engulfing parts of the market. Wafa reported that the fire originated on the western facade of the vegetable market. The incident unfolded as Israeli forces conducted a raid in Nablus to escort settlers to Joseph’s Tomb, a site of historical and religious significance. This operation led to confrontations between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters.
The raid and ensuing clashes were part of ongoing tensions in the region. In the past, such operations have frequently escalated into violence, causing widespread damage and casualties. The raid on Nablus comes in the context of heightened conflict, particularly following the recent war on Gaza.
In the broader conflict, at least 39,583 Palestinians have been killed, and 91,398 have been wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza. The conflict intensified following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, where an estimated 1,139 Israelis were killed, and more than 200 were taken captive.
These figures underscore the severe human toll of the ongoing conflict, which continues to affect the lives of many on both sides. The fire in Nablus is a stark reminder of the volatility in the region and the fragile nature of the current peace efforts.