Israeli forces launched a series of raids on money exchange shops across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, leading to violence and casualties in several cities. The operation began in Nablus, where soldiers used live ammunition and tear gas. Reports indicate that at least one Palestinian was killed and over 30 others were injured during the confrontations.
The raids targeted exchange shops in multiple locations, including Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In Nablus, Israeli troops specifically stormed a foreign exchange business operated by Al-Khaleej and a gold store. The military also deployed smoke bombs in Jenin and shut down streets in Tubas and Bethlehem.
According to the Ministry of Health in Ramallah, one man died from live fire in Nablus, while the Palestine Red Crescent Society treated around 20 individuals for tear gas inhalation and three for injuries from rubber bullets.
Israeli Army Radio stated that the raids were conducted based on suspicions that these exchange shops were financing terrorist activities. They claimed to have confiscated significant amounts of money intended for what they described as "terrorism infrastructure" in the West Bank. A leaflet left at Al-Khaleej’s Ramallah location accused the company of having ties to terrorist organizations.
While Israeli officials have not provided concrete evidence to support these claims, they believe that these exchanges are funneling money to groups labeled as terrorist organizations. Al Jazeera’s reporter noted that the owners of the targeted shops have not received any proof from the military regarding these allegations.
This incident marks the fourth time since the escalation of violence in Gaza that such raids have occurred. The first notable raid took place in December 2023, followed by similar actions in August and September of the following year.
Hamas condemned the raids, calling them part of an ongoing war against the Palestinian people and their economy. They described the attacks on economic institutions as an extension of the Israeli government’s policies. Hamas urged the Palestinian Authority to respond to these assaults and protect the rights of Palestinians.
In a similar vein, the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement characterized the raids as an attack on the existence and cause of the Palestinian people, calling for an end to security coordination with Israel.
The situation remains tense as the conflict continues to escalate, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening. Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, more than 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, raising urgent concerns about the conditions faced by civilians in the region.