Israel Imposes Blockade on Hebron Gate Amid Gaza War Shift
As the ceasefire in Gaza approaches on Sunday (19/1/2025), Israeli forces have been making sudden military maneuvers in the Palestinian territories, including Hebron in the West Bank.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim that these military actions are being taken in Gaza and the West Bank as a precaution against the release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire agreement.
In Gaza, Israel has concentrated its forces along the Gaza border with Israeli Jewish settlements. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinian sources report that Israeli occupation forces have abruptly closed most of the entrances to Hebron in the southern part of the West Bank with cube-shaped concrete blocks on Saturday (18/1/2025).
Israel’s Concerns in the West Bank
These maneuvers raise concerns that Israel may intend to shift the war from Gaza to the West Bank with a similar pattern of siege and blockade.
This indication is based on a report from Channel 13 Israel, where the Head of Israel’s National Security Council expressed concerns that a hostage exchange agreement could have a negative impact on the security situation in the West Bank.
In line with the genocide in Gaza, the Israeli occupation army has expanded its operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and settlers have increased their attacks there, resulting in 859 Palestinian deaths, around 6,700 injuries, and the arrest of 14,300 others, according to official Palestinian data.
Israel is reportedly planning to intensify military operations in the West Bank to re-arrest Palestinian residents as a “compensation” for the release of prisoners in the exchange agreement. This is to ensure that the number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails does not decrease significantly as a result of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Legal Challenges Faced by the PA
Furthermore, the IDF is considering taking control of the security responsibilities currently held by the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank. This move could further complicate the already fragile situation in the region.
The deteriorating legal status of the PA in the face of Israeli military actions raises questions about the future of Palestinian governance and security in the West Bank. As tensions escalate and the possibility of conflict spreading beyond Gaza looms, the international community is closely watching the developments in the region.
Expert Insights on the Escalating Situation
In light of these recent events, international experts and human rights organizations have expressed grave concerns about the potential humanitarian crisis unfolding in the West Bank. The impact of Israel’s military actions on civilian populations, infrastructure, and basic rights must be carefully monitored and addressed to prevent further escalation and suffering in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic efforts and international interventions are crucial to de-escalating tensions and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining the path forward for the Palestinian territories and the broader Middle East region.
