Israeli army carries out raids, arrests across West Bank as Ramadan begins

Israel carried out more raids across the occupied West Bank at dawn on Monday, as Palestinians began observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Israeli forces reportedly raided the cities of Ramallah, Al-Bireh, Qalqilya, Balata camp, Tulkarm, Nour Shams camp, as well as towns in the Bethlehem and Hebron governorates.

Palestinian fighters fired back at the Israeli raiding party in Balata refugee camp who used live bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds, witnesses told Anadolu Agency, with several Palestinians detained.

Raids also took place in Tulkarm and two refugee camps in the city.

In Ramallah, the Israeli army raided a house in Al-Balou neighbourhood, arresting one person, while two others were detained in Qalqilya.

The Israeli army has stepped up its deadly raids in the occupied West Bank since 7 October, killing more than 420 people so far and arresting thousands.

Israel also continues to expand its illegal settlements in the West Bank, defying calls to halt construction even from some of its closest allies such as the US.

Israeli forces and settlers regularly raid Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, including during Ramadan, when thousands gather at the mosque for breaking fast and nightly prayers.

Attacks on the mosque, which is considered Islam's third holiest and a symbol of Palestinian statehood, have fuelled tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions.

Such infiltrations of the mosque complex are considered breaking an agreement with Jordan which has custodianship over Jerusalem's holy sites.