Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / AJEnglish

Israeli Forces Arrest Over 100 Palestinians, Impose Curfew in West Bank

Introduction

The occupied West Bank is once again facing a wave of violence and fear. Israeli forces have launched large-scale raids in the city of Tulkarem, arresting more than 100 Palestinians in a single night. A strict curfew has been imposed, forcing people to stay inside their homes.

This new wave of arrests and restrictions comes at a time when Palestinians are already facing immense suffering due to the war in Gaza. Families are being displaced, homes destroyed, and entire communities punished. Many people describe this as collective punishment.

Let’s look at what happened in Tulkarem, why it happened, and how it connects to the larger situation in the West Bank and Gaza.

Raids and Mass Arrests in Tulkarem

Israeli forces entered Tulkarem city in the occupied West Bank and carried out raids across neighborhoods.

• Over 100 Palestinians were arrested.

• Soldiers stormed into shops and cafes, detaining people inside.

• Others were taken from their vehicles and forced to march in a line toward an Israeli checkpoint.

Witnesses say people were treated harshly, with no clear reason for their detention. The curfew means residents cannot leave their homes, even for work or food.

Why Did the Raids Happen?

Israel said the raids came after an incident where two Israeli soldiers were wounded by an explosive device in the area. In response, the military launched operations in Tulkarem to search for suspects.

But the scale of arrests and the targeting of ordinary citizens suggest that the action is broader than just one incident. Many Palestinians believe this is part of a larger crackdown that has been ongoing since the start of the Gaza war.

Connection to East Jerusalem Shooting

A few days earlier, six people were killed in a shooting attack in East Jerusalem. Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility. The two suspects involved in the attack were killed.

In retaliation, Israel ordered:

• The demolition of the suspects’ homes.

• Sanctions on their families.

• A complete lockdown of their towns, Qatanna and al-Qubeiba.

This kind of punishment extends beyond those directly involved and affects entire families and communities.

Collective Punishment in the West Bank

The raids in Tulkarem are part of what many observers call collective punishment. Instead of targeting only those responsible for attacks, Israeli forces are punishing entire populations.

• Curfews stop people from moving freely.

• Homes are demolished, leaving families homeless.

• Shops and businesses are raided, causing financial hardship.

• Families of suspects are punished even if they had no role in any violence.

Such actions have been criticized worldwide as violations of international law.

Rising Violence in the West Bank

The West Bank has been under growing pressure since the war on Gaza began.

• More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed.

• Thousands have been arrested.

• Hundreds of homes and buildings have been demolished.

• More than 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced.

Even before the war, 2023 was already one of the deadliest years for Palestinians in the West Bank in decades. With the war in Gaza, the situation has only grown worse.

Amnesty International’s Concerns

Human rights groups have condemned Israel’s actions. Amnesty International said:

• The unlawful transfer of people is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

• Forced displacement and collective punishment amount to war crimes.

• Tens of thousands of Palestinians are facing a crisis with no chance of return.

This shows how the situation is not just about military security but also about human rights violations.

Rise in Settler Violence

It is not only the military actions that Palestinians fear. Violence by Israeli settlers has sharply increased since the war on Gaza began.

Between October 2023 and December 2024:

• At least 1,860 incidents of settler violence were recorded.

• Many Palestinians were attacked in their homes, farms, or while traveling.

• Settlers, often protected by the Israeli military, destroyed Palestinian property and land.

This creates a double threat for Palestinians – both from soldiers and settlers.

Israel’s Political Shift

The rise of far-right leaders in Israel has made the situation even more difficult. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other leaders openly reject the idea of a Palestinian state.

Netanyahu recently said: “We are going to fulfil our promise that there will be no Palestinian state. This place belongs to us.”

He also promised to double the population of Maale Adumim, one of the largest Israeli settlements near Jerusalem.

All Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, yet expansion continues.

International Response

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution calling on Israel to end its occupation within one year. But Israel ignored the call and instead expanded its settlements.

Many countries criticize Israel’s actions, but strong international action is still missing. For Palestinians, this means daily life under occupation continues with little hope of change.

Life Under Curfew in Tulkarem

For the people of Tulkarem, daily life has come to a standstill.

• Families are trapped indoors.

• Businesses are shut down.

• Young men and even teenagers are being arrested.

• People fear that more raids will come at night.

The feeling is one of fear, frustration, and hopelessness. Families don’t know when they will see their loved ones again or if their homes will survive the next raid.

Conclusion

The arrest of over 100 Palestinians in Tulkarem is not an isolated event. It is part of a larger pattern of raids, demolitions, and curfews that stretch across the occupied West Bank.

Palestinians are facing collective punishment, growing settler violence, and political leaders in Israel openly denying their right to statehood.

With Gaza already devastated and famine looming, the West Bank is slipping deeper into crisis. Ordinary families are paying the heaviest price, living under curfews, losing homes, and struggling to protect their children from the violence around them.

Until international action is taken, the cycle of arrests, demolitions, and displacement is likely to continue.

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