Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in a car-ramming attack in the occupied West Bank, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The incident occurred near the Palestinian city of Nablus, and the attacker fled the scene. The soldiers involved in the incident have died, and a search for the attacker has been launched. Violence in the West Bank has escalated since the war in Gaza began, with more than 500 Palestinians killed in Israeli military raids into Palestinian cities and towns.
Israeli soldiers seized control of the strategic Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt in an effort to cut off smuggling tunnels used by Hamas. The capture of the corridor could strain Israel’s relations with Egypt, as it violates their 1979 peace accord. The corridor has been used by Hamas to smuggle weapons and goods into Gaza. Additionally, Israel deepened its incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where dozens of Palestinians have been killed due to intensifying violence.
Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged more humanitarian aid for people in Gaza and reiterated calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state during a summit with Arab states. Xi condemned the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and expressed support for a two-state solution. China promised 500 million yuan (€65.1 million) in humanitarian aid for Gaza and €2.7 million to a UN agency providing assistance to refugees of the conflict. Beijing and Arab states have supported the Palestinian cause, while Israel is facing international condemnation for civilian casualties in Rafah.
The ongoing conflict has led to a surge in Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, with many deaths occurring in clashes with the military. Some Palestinians have been shot after throwing stones, while others have been killed without being involved in confrontations. The IDF reported that Palestinian attacks have been on the rise in the territory. The situation remains volatile, with both sides continuing to engage in violence and retaliation.
The capture of the Philadelphi Corridor is part of Israel’s broader efforts to destroy Hamas and prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza. The corridor’s control allows Israel to cut off a key supply route for Hamas, limiting their ability to carry out attacks. However, the move has raised concerns about escalating tensions with Egypt, which has criticized Israel’s advance toward its border. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides escalating their military actions in response to continued violence and resistance.
As the conflict persists, international pressure on Israel to de-escalate the situation and seek a peaceful resolution continues to mount. The civilian toll in Gaza is increasing, with thousands seeking shelter from the fighting in Rafah. The need for humanitarian aid and relief efforts in the region is critical, as civilians continue to suffer from the impact of the conflict. The international community’s condemnation of civilian casualties and calls for a ceasefire underscore the urgency of finding a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
