Thursday, 19/02/2026   
   Beirut 14:20

West Bank: Young Man Martyred in Settler Attack as IOF Arrests Sweep Across Cities

An Israeli soldier during a raid in the West Bank (February 6, 2026 / image by occupation army via JPost).

A 19-year-old Palestinian succumbed to his wounds on Wednesday evening after being shot by Israeli settlers, as Israeli occupation forces (IOF) simultaneously launched a large-scale arrest campaign across multiple areas of the West Bank, detaining more than two dozen Palestinians.

Young Man Martyred in Settler Attack

The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the death of Nasrallah Mohammed Abu Siyam, 19, who was critically injured earlier in the day when settlers opened fire in the village of Mikhmas, northeast of Occupied Jerusalem.

According to local sources, settlers, accompanied by Israeli occupation forces, raided the village on Wednesday afternoon. During the incursion, the settlers reportedly stole dozens of sheep under military protection and fired on residents, wounding five people. Abu Siyam was transported to a hospital in serious condition but was later pronounced dead.

Mass Arrest Campaign Engulfs the West Bank

In a separate, sweeping operation early on Thursday, Israeli occupation forces carried out mass arrests across the West Bank, detaining at least 24 Palestinians in coordinated raids.

In the northern West Bank, the IOF stormed the city of Qalqilya, deploying across its neighborhoods, raiding and vandalizing dozens of homes. Local sources confirmed that at least 17 Palestinians were arrested in the city during the overnight raids.

In Nablus, Israeli special occupation forces raided the home of a wanted Palestinian, Imad Ba’ara, in the al-Ta’awun al-Awsat neighborhood. Witnesses reported that undercover units infiltrated the area before being reinforced by additional military troops, who stormed the house, damaged its contents, and detained him. In a separate incident in the city, another Palestinian was rounded up after IOF stormed his home on Street 10. Enemy forces also stormed the Askar New refugee camp, east of Nablus, raiding several homes.

South-west of Jenin, Israeli occupation forces conducted raids in the town of Kafr Ra’i, arresting a former prisoner from his home.

Raids in Jerusalem, Hebron, and SalfitIn Occupied Jerusalem, forces stormed the Qalandia refugee camp north of the city, raiding homes and arresting two Palestinians.

In the southern West Bank, a young man was arrested during a raid on al-Fawwar refugee camp, near al-Khalil (Hebron). Late on Wednesday night, troops also stormed the town of Rafat, west of Salfit, detaining one Palestinian.

Clashes and Injuries in Qalandia

The campaign was preceded by violence on Wednesday evening at the entrance of Qalandia refugee camp, where three Palestinian youths were injured during an Israeli occupation military incursion amid a heavy military presence.

Local sources confirmed that Israeli forces deployed several military vehicles in the area and fired large quantities of stun grenades and tear gas canisters at residents. The Palestine Red Crescent confirmed that two individuals sustained injuries after being physically assaulted by Israeli forces and were transferred to the hospital, while a third suffered from tear gas inhalation.

Clashes erupted between Palestinian youths and the occupation forces, and a fire broke out on the roof of a building after tear gas canisters were fired intensively near the camp entrance. The incursion caused heavy traffic congestion along the road connecting Kafr Aqab, Ramallah, and al-Bireh.

Home Destroyed in Beit Ummar

In a related development, a large Israeli military force, supported by armored vehicles and a bulldozer, stormed the town of Beit Ummar from multiple directions. The forces surrounded the Jabal Sabbarneh area, imposing a strict security cordon and preventing residents and journalists from approaching.

Source: Palestinian media (translated and edited by Al-Manar)