Image Credits - The Guardian
In a recent escalation of violence in the West Bank, at least three Palestinians were shot and injured near Hebron on Thursday. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the village of Yatta, a region frequently embroiled in conflict between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents.
According to local sources, the altercation began when a group of Palestinians, who were reportedly protesting against ongoing Israeli settlement activities, clashed with Israeli soldiers stationed in the area. Eyewitnesses claimed that the protesters were demonstrating peacefully until tensions escalated, leading to a confrontation with the military personnel.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokespersons confirmed that soldiers had been deployed in response to what they described as a violent disturbance. The IDF stated that the troops had acted in self-defence after being targeted with stones and Molotov cocktails. The spokesperson emphasized that live ammunition was only used as a last resort when attempts to disperse the crowd using non-lethal means proved ineffective.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the injured individuals were taken to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving treatment for gunshot wounds. Their conditions are described as stable, but details about their specific injuries have not been fully disclosed. The ministry has condemned the use of live fire against civilians and called for an investigation into the incident.
The clashes come amid heightened tensions in the region, with recent months witnessing a surge in violence and confrontations. The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict and the humanitarian impact on the civilian population.
As the situation remains fluid, both Israeli and Palestinian authorities are facing increasing pressure to de-escalate tensions and seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict.