Israeli forces impose a lockdown on Qabatiya village after a resident killed two people in Israel, as violence surges across the occupied West Bank
QABATIYAH: Israeli forces have imposed a complete lockdown on the Palestinian village of Qabatiya in the occupied West Bank. The military operation follows an attack on Friday where a local resident killed two people in northern Israel.
Defence Minister Israel Katz stated the army is “operating forcefully against terror hubs” in the village. He added that the policy of an “uncompromising offensive” against Palestinian militancy would continue.
The assailant, a 34-year-old man working illegally in Israel, used his employer’s vehicle to ram a 68-year-old man before stabbing an 18-year-old girl to death. Israeli police confirmed the details of the attack.
Israeli troops and the Shin Bet domestic security agency began operations in Qabatiya hours after the attack. They searched the perpetrator’s house and questioned suspects.
Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered reinforcements for troops in the area on Saturday. He said the period is “characterised by lone attackers and individuals staying illegally in Israel”.
Zamir stated that enforcement against those who transport and employ illegal workers must be strengthened. He added that capabilities to identify and thwart attackers must continue to be enhanced.
Residents described the military measures as collective punishment. “As you can see, they blocked the way to my house and I am no longer able to move around,” resident Bilal Hunaisha told AFP.
Another resident, Muhannad Zakarneh, said soldiers arrested him at home at 6 am “for no obvious reasons”. He was kept handcuffed for hours without being told of any charge.
The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported Israeli forces took over a school. It said the building was used as a “detention and interrogation centre”.
Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, at least 38 people have been killed inside Israel in Palestinian attacks. This figure includes two foreigners, according to an AFP tally.
Violence has also surged in the West Bank during the same period. Israeli troops and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians there, according to Palestinian health ministry figures.
At least 44 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank in Palestinian attacks or military operations. This is according to official Israeli figures covering the same period.
