In a continuation of its ongoing operations in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military has conducted fresh raids in two cities, Tulkarm and Tubas. The raids come after a brief pause and have resulted in reported casualties and escalating tensions in the region.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least five people were killed in an overnight strike on Tubas. While the identities of those killed were not specified, Palestinian news agency, Wafa, reported that the strike took the lives of five young Palestinian men near a mosque. Israeli forces had closed all entrances to Tubas and were reportedly inspecting ambulances before allowing them to enter a local hospital.

Meanwhile, the raid on Tulkarm, which began two days ago, has also resulted in casualties. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that a man and a woman were killed while several others were wounded. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that Israeli forces had detained five of its emergency and rescue crew members who were transporting a patient and evacuating children. Israeli military officials did not comment on the claim.

These latest operations come after a particularly intense 10-day campaign in the West Bank, which saw the death toll rise to at least 39, according to Palestinian health authorities. The Israeli military has claimed that these raids are necessary to combat rising Palestinian militancy, with a focus on preventing attempted bombings in the area.

The raids have severely impacted the daily lives of Palestinians, especially in the cities of Tulkarm and Jenin. Many have been confined to their homes as Israeli forces carried out extensive searches and demolished streets to uncover improvised explosives.

Eyewitnesses in Tubas described a chaotic scene, with Israeli forces storming the city during the early morning hours. They reported clashes and explosions, with Israeli aircraft and drones buzzing overhead. Additionally, soldiers were seen on foot, creating a heightened sense of tension in the area. Roads were closed, young men were interrogated in the streets, and homes were raided by Israeli forces.

The United Nations has expressed concern over the escalation of violence, particularly in light of the recent Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school in Gaza. The strike, which took place in Nuseirat, resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, including women, children, and U.N. employees. The Israeli military claimed that the school was being used as a Hamas "command and control center."

As the situation remains volatile, diplomatic pressure is mounting. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed outrage and sadness over the killing of a U.S. activist by an Israeli soldier during a West Bank protest. He called for full accountability from Israel and emphasized the need to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The Eygi family, in response to the comments made by President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, called for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing of their relative, Ayşenur Eygi, emphasizing the need for peace.

With casualties mounting and tensions escalating, a peaceful resolution seems increasingly distant in the West Bank, leaving the lives and livelihoods of Palestinians in a constant state of uncertainty and fear.