Armed Israeli colonists attack Palestinian civilians in Hebron

HEBRON: Armed Israeli colonists launched an assault this evening on Palestinian civilians' vehicles in Wadi al-Hasin area, located east of the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, while Israeli occupation forces prevented a large number of residents from reaching their homes, according to local sources. The sources informed WAFA that a group of armed colonists, escorted by Israeli soldiers, attacked civilians' vehicles while they were parked near a mosque in the Jabari neighborhood east of Hebron, smashing the windshield of one of the vehicles. Israeli forces also closed the so-called military Checkpoint 160 in the city, detained and mistreated several civilians, and prevented hundreds of them from reaching their homes, witnesses reported. The forces further fired stun grenades and tear gas canisters towards citizens. Of note, Checkpoint 160, heavily manned by Israeli soldiers, is currently the only gate used by thousands of Palestinian residents from the Jabari and Al-Salaymeh neighborhoods in the ol d city of Hebron, after Israeli occupation forces completely closed off other entrances to the area in recent months. Residents of the old city and neighborhoods located east of Hebron have been suffering from a significant increase in attacks by Israeli colonists and forces since October 7th last year. An evening curfew is imposed almost every day, preventing residents from leaving their homes. Restrictions have also been imposed on residents' movement, allowing them specific times to enter and exit their neighborhoods through military checkpoints. After those hours, entry into those areas is prohibited. Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA