Gaza and West Bank tensions escalate amid ongoing regional conflict

Israel has closed the Rafah border crossing, and incidents of settler attacks in the occupied West Bank have continued. A recent escalation in violence has seen Israeli strikes and raids in Gaza, as well as military operations in the occupied West Bank.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has reported a significant number of casualties in its actions in Gaza. According to official figures, more than 72,000 people have been killed, with the majority being women and children. The enclave has also suffered extensive damage.

In response to the attacks on Israel led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities reported that over 1,200 people were killed, while more than 250 individuals were taken captive. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian Ministry of Health figures indicate that over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Gaza conflict, with many of these casualties being civilians.

In parallel, incidents involving Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Israelis, including both military personnel and civilians.

Source: Al Jazeera