Two Palestinians were wounded on Monday when a rocket, reportedly fired by Lebanon’s Hezbollah, struck the northern West Bank. The rocket was part of a larger barrage of long-range projectiles launched by Hezbollah toward Israel, setting off warning sirens in several West Bank settlements.
Rocket Impact in Deir Istiya
According to the Palestinian Authority’s official Wafa news agency, the rocket landed between homes in the town of Deir Istiya, causing significant material damage. Among those injured were a 60-year-old man and an elderly woman, both of whom were taken to a hospital for treatment. Wafa did not provide details on their condition but noted that the rocket’s origin was still unclear. The report suggested that the damage could have been caused either by Hezbollah’s rocket or by Israeli interceptor rockets.
Images from Deir Istiya show damage to homes and nearby vehicles, illustrating the devastation caused by the strike.
Ongoing Clashes Between Hezbollah and Israel
The rocket attack occurred amid heightened skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah. The militant group has been launching attacks on northern Israeli communities and military posts following the October 7 cross-border incursion by Hamas, Hezbollah’s ally, from the Gaza Strip. This recent barrage marks one of the most intense episodes of the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that most of the rockets launched by Hezbollah landed in open areas, minimizing the immediate threat to Israeli settlements. However, the situation continues to escalate, further destabilizing the region.
As clashes between Israel and Hezbollah intensify, the conflict has extended its impact beyond its immediate frontlines, with civilians in the West Bank, including Palestinians, being caught in the crossfire. The continued escalation raises concerns over regional stability and the potential for further violence.
