Full Breakdown
Israeli Operations in the West Bank and Gaza Intensify Amid Election Countdown
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In this breakdown
01
Core Events
- On October 23, Israeli troops launched a raid in Hebron, West Bank, after an attack that killed two soldiers. Journalists Musab Qafesha and Riad Khamiss were detained for several hours; tear-gas was fired at media crews, and soldiers pointed laser devices at reporters. The Al-Ghad TV office was seized and turned into a military barracks.
- In Gaza, ground and air attacks in the past 24 hours killed at least five civilians, including a seven-year-old girl, and wounded more than a dozen. A drone strike in al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, hit a displaced-people camp; artillery fire struck neighborhoods west of Rafah.
- In Qalqilya, West Bank, forces entered the al-Naqqar neighbourhood, expelled resident Naim Abu Shihab, and demolished his home for lacking a permit. Bulldozers damaged sidewalks in the central market, and tear-gas was deployed along al-Malaab Street.
02
Background & Context
The incidents occur amid Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza war that began after the October 7 2023 attacks. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 11 2022, yet UN monitors report continued violations. The Hebron raid and Qalqilya demolition follow a pattern of construction restrictions, settler-linked violence, and press suppression that has intensified ahead of Israel’s October 27 general election.
03
Data & Statistics
- Journalists detained in Hebron: Musab Qafesha (freelancer) and Riad Khamiss (head of Radio Fourth).
- Gaza casualty figures: Al Jazeera reports a total death toll of 74,555 since the conflict began, with 1,559 killed since the ceasefire; the Ministry of Public Works notes the al-Mawasi drone strike killed three people, including a child.
- MiddleEastEye cites a total death toll of 74,561 and 1,565 killed since the ceasefire.
- In Qalqilya, three individuals received treatment for tear-gas exposure; no gunshot injuries were reported.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- Sara Qudah, CPJ Regional Director, said Israeli forces are escalating attacks on journalists across the West Bank, detaining reporters, firing tear gas at media covering operations, and intercepting news crews. She called for an immediate end to these actions and for the protection of press freedom.
- The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory stated that Israel continues to commit genocidal acts, including the use of heavy and unguided munitions in densely populated areas, and accused Israeli forces of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic persecution of civilians in both Gaza and the West Bank.
- The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works condemned the drone-induced fire at the displaced-people camp in Khan Younis, labeling it a violation of international humanitarian law and urging urgent international aid for the affected families.
05
Criticism & Opposition
- The UN commission’s report called for an end to Israel’s occupation, the removal of all settlers and settlements, and the return of confiscated land to its Palestinian owners.
- The Foreign Press Association rejected Israeli claims that AFP photographer Hazem Bader had prior knowledge of the Hebron attack, describing the allegation as “completely untrue” and warning that it endangers journalists.
06
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Death tolls: Al Jazeera cites 74,555 total deaths; MiddleEastEye reports 74,561.
- Deaths since the ceasefire: Al Jazeera records 1,559 killed; MiddleEastEye records 1,565. The sources do not reconcile these differences, leaving the precise casualty count unclear.
07
What’s Next
- Israel’s October 27 general election will occur amid the heightened security operations. International observers and human-rights groups warn that the raids, civilian casualties, and press-freedom violations could influence both domestic politics and diplomatic responses.