Israeli forces kill two Palestinian teenagers as violence escalates in the West Bank

Israeli forces killed two Palestinian teenagers near Ramallah in the West Bank during protests against Israel's bombing of the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian officials. This incident brings the total number of Palestinians killed in the recent escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence to at least 64 in the West Bank. In response to a deadly attack by Hamas, Israel is preparing a ground assault in the Gaza Strip, which has led to an increase in fatal clashes between Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank.

The Israeli forces have carried out intense bombardments in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 Palestinians and the imposition of a total siege on the blockaded enclave. The killings of the two teenagers occurred in the village of Shuqba, west of Ramallah, where they were attempting to set fire to tires in protest against Israel. The Palestinian Authority's health ministry confirmed the deaths but did not provide further details. Israeli defense forces are currently investigating the incident. The ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza has further heightened tensions in the West Bank.

Recent protests in West Bank cities have seen Palestinians waving flags and chanting in support of Hamas, which has a smaller presence in the region. Some young Palestinians have expressed willingness to resort to violence to oppose Israel's assault. The recent hospital explosion in Gaza, which has elicited blame from both Israel and Palestinian militants, has also fueled anger among Palestinians in the West Bank. Israel attributes the blast to a failed rocket launch by militants, while Hamas accuses Israel of inflating the death toll.

In response to the hospital attack, Palestinian security forces in Ramallah fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters who were throwing rocks and chanting against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The situation in the West Bank is particularly tense due to its proximity to Jerusalem, a city that holds significant religious sites for Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The outbreak of protests in the region underscores Palestinians' long-standing resentment towards Abbas, who has faced criticism for collaborating too closely with Israel on security matters. The West Bank remains under Israeli occupation, with the Palestinian Authority dominated by Fatah, Hamas's rival faction, and President Abbas.