West Bank and Jerusalem

Israel has proceeded with a contentious plan to build over 1,200 new settlement units in the sensitive E1 area east of Jerusalem, moving from planning to land marketing and tendering. Concurrently, Israeli forces continued extensive arrest operations across the West Bank, detaining more than 30 Palestinians including the Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs. Meanwhile, Palestinian families in the village of Qusra remain besieged by settlers and the military, enduring severe restrictions and shortages. Human rights groups warn these actions threaten Palestinian residency and further fragment the West Bank.

Following Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's call to kill 30 to 40 Palestinians nightly in Gaza, German politicians across parties have urged the European Union to impose sanctions on him. Prominent members of Germany's governing coalition and opposition have also advocated halting arms exports to Israel and suspending the EU-Israel partnership agreement. While Germany has yet to adopt these measures, the demands mark a significant shift in response to Ben Gvir's extremist rhetoric amid ongoing tensions in the West Bank and Gaza.

Israel has escalated its military operations in the West Bank for the fourth consecutive week, conducting raids, arrests, and demolitions across multiple cities including Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron. The Israeli army demolished dozens of homes and commercial structures, citing unauthorized construction, while Palestinian officials and international observers warn these actions undermine the Palestinian Authority and threaten prospects for a viable Palestinian state. Israeli officials link the demolitions to efforts to strengthen settlements, amid ongoing tensions and international concern over the deteriorating situation.

Six Palestinians, including children and women, were injured in a settler attack on the village of Al-Mughayyir northeast of Ramallah in the West Bank. The settlers, reportedly protected by Israeli forces, used tear gas against villagers working their land, causing injuries due to suffocation. Al-Mughayyir and surrounding areas have faced repeated settler violence and Israeli military incursions. In July alone, over 2,200 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers were recorded against Palestinians and their properties in the West Bank.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has instructed Israeli forces to intensify offensive operations in the West Bank. The military has been ordered to prepare for control of an additional Palestinian refugee camp following a series of violent incidents in the area last week. This directive comes amid preparations for a large-scale military operation in the occupied Palestinian territories, reflecting heightened security measures and ongoing tensions in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized the military to intensify operations in the West Bank, including entering additional areas, arresting Palestinians, and confiscating weapons. Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed plans to potentially evacuate entire Palestinian towns, similar to previous actions in refugee camps like Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, which displaced around 40,000 Palestinians. The ongoing military campaign has led to widespread arrests, home demolitions, and settler attacks on Palestinian properties, prompting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to call for urgent international intervention to halt the escalation.

The Israeli army has intensified its operations across the West Bank, conducting widespread raids and arresting dozens of Palestinians following deadly clashes in the town of Tal near Nablus. Movement has been severely restricted with numerous road closures and checkpoints established, particularly around Nablus and other key areas. These measures come after a surge in settler violence and attacks, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordering extensive military actions including settlement expansions. The situation has led to significant disruptions and heightened tensions in the region.

Thousands of Israeli settlers, led by extremist Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, conducted unprecedented incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound via the Moroccan Gate. Under heavy Israeli military protection, the settlers performed religious rituals in areas traditionally restricted to Muslims for 59 years, raised Israeli flags, and sang the national anthem near the Dome of the Rock. The Islamic Waqf reported large-scale provocative tours and Talmudic rituals, while Israeli forces imposed strict restrictions, turned entrances into military zones, and subjected Muslim worshippers to identity checks and violence.