RAMALLAH, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces besieged the Palestinian town of Arraba on the outskirts of Jenin on Wednesday, Palestinian sources said, describing the move as an escalation in the West Bank.
Arraba Mayor Ahmed al-Arda told Xinhua that Israeli forces were deployed throughout the town, and had closed one of its main entrances, completely blocking the area leading to the Arraba plain with earth mounds.
Residents of the town said Israeli forces had destroyed and ransacked their homes.
Palestinian sources told Xinhua that the Israeli operation in Arraba is part of a broader offensive targeting several towns south of Jenin, involving heavy troop deployments and the sealing of entrances.
There was no immediate response from Israeli authorities regarding the incident.
Cities, camps, and villages in the West Bank have witnessed an escalation of Israeli violence since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinian people, according to official Palestinian figures. ■
