Israeli Forces Intensify Military Actions in Jerusalem-Area Towns

Jerusalem: Israeli occupation forces (IOF) continued their aggression and military siege on towns and villages northwest of occupied Jerusalem for the second consecutive day. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, local sources reported that the IOF maintained their raids on the town of Biddu, closing its main entrance, the tunnel connecting it to the town of al-Jib. This closure has obstructed the movement of approximately 70,000 residents, preventing them from entering or exiting the area. The situation escalated as soldiers fired live bullets and sound bombs during their incursion into the town amidst confrontations. Tear gas and live ammunition were also used against hundreds of citizens trapped at the tunnel entrance. The IOF extended their operations to several other towns northwest of Jerusalem, conducting raids and detentions. In the town of Qatana, a number of young men were detained after a raid on a residential building, where tear gas was heavily deployed. Ambulances were re portedly blocked from reaching a home in need of assistance. In Al-Qubayba, the forces searched multiple homes and converted one into a military barracks. The preceding day, all entrances to occupied Jerusalem and surrounding villages and towns were closed by Israeli forces following a shooting attack that resulted in casualties among Israelis.