Israeli military explains possible kidnapping incident in northern West Bank

(MENAFN) Late Monday, the Israeli army reported a possible kidnapping incident in the northern occupied West Bank, specifically in the Samaria region. The army statement said extensive measures had been taken in response to the report, including the deployment of large numbers of forces, road closures and thorough searches.

According to a Hebrew daily, emergency reports said a vehicle carrying a girl was seen at the Tapuah intersection near the Za'atar military checkpoint, allegedly screaming for help. In response, the Israeli army fired on the suspected vehicle and arrested the occupants, but no further details were provided.

Another newspaper noted that Israeli security authorities have not yet confirmed the kidnapping, apart from reports received through the emergency number. However, Israeli forces and intelligence agents are actively deployed in the area, taking the incident seriously and blocking roads.

This incident came amid rising tensions in the West Bank, marked by increased military operations and attacks by illegal Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, four Palestinians were injured in attacks by settlers in the village of Wadi Rahal in Bethlehem on Monday evening. The Palestinian death toll in the West Bank has risen to 651 following the recent Israeli attacks on the Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm. In addition, around 5,400 people have been injured since the expansion of Israeli military operations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, coinciding with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7 last year.

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