India has marked a significant step in its development partnership with Palestine with the groundbreaking of a 200-bed Indian Super Speciality Hospital in the West Bank. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan took part in the ceremony held in Jenin and Ramallah in the presence of Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa and other senior officials. The hospital will feature modern medical facilities and a dedicated trauma centre. It is intended to serve patients from Jenin and neighbouring governorates including Tulkarm and Tubas. A bilateral memorandum of understanding for the project was signed during the visit, formalising India’s commitment to the facility. Alongside the hospital initiative, India advanced several other practical programmes. An MoU was signed with the Ministry of Labour to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training centre inside the Palestinian National Printing Press. The centre will deliver employment-oriented skills training in the printing sector, building on earlier Indian support for the press. Ambassador Ranganathan met Labour Minister Dr Enas Dahadha Attari to discuss implementation and ways to link young people and entrepreneurs with new skills and job opportunities. India is also preparing another Artificial Limb Fitment Camp, following the successful programme held in 2023. The initiative forms part of wider healthcare assistance that already includes supplies of essential medicines and anti-cancer drugs. During the visit, a consignment of life-saving medicines was formally handed over to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as a further demonstration of support. The ambassador visited a UNRWA health centre, where she received a briefing on services provided to the local population. India’s backing for UNRWA’s work in health, education and other essential services remains firm. Beyond these concrete projects, Ranganathan held a series of meetings with senior Palestinian officials. She called on Health Minister Dr Majed Abu Ramadan to explore further cooperation in the health sector, met Diplomatic Adviser Dr Majdi Al-Khaldi to review the broader India-Palestine partnership, and held talks with Foreign Minister Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. She also met Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa. Discussions covered political engagement, development cooperation and new initiatives in health, education and skills being launched during the visit.&nbsp; The engagements took place against the backdrop of the continuing crisis in Gaza. In a formal readout of the talks, the Indian embassy in Ramallah stated: “Secretary reaffirmed India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and negotiated a two-state solution". The Indian diplomat "conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and underscored the importance of ensuring the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population there" while reiterating "India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”

India has begun construction of a 200-bed super-speciality hospital in Jenin, strengthening its development partnership and healthcare support for Palestine.

India has marked a significant step in its development partnership with Palestine with the groundbreaking of a 200-bed Indian Super Speciality Hospital in the West Bank. Ambassador Sripriya Ranganathan took part in the ceremony held in Jenin and Ramallah in the presence of Palestinian Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa and other senior officials. The hospital will feature modern medical facilities and a dedicated trauma centre. It is intended to serve patients from Jenin and neighbouring governorates including Tulkarm and Tubas. A bilateral memorandum of understanding for the project was signed during the visit, formalising India’s commitment to the facility. Alongside the hospital initiative, India advanced several other practical programmes. An MoU was signed with the Ministry of Labour to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training centre inside the Palestinian National Printing Press. The centre will deliver employment-oriented skills training in the printing sector, building on earlier Indian support for the press. Ambassador Ranganathan met Labour Minister Dr Enas Dahadha Attari to discuss implementation and ways to link young people and entrepreneurs with new skills and job opportunities. India is also preparing another Artificial Limb Fitment Camp, following the successful programme held in 2023. The initiative forms part of wider healthcare assistance that already includes supplies of essential medicines and anti-cancer drugs. During the visit, a consignment of life-saving medicines was formally handed over to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as a further demonstration of support. The ambassador visited a UNRWA health centre, where she received a briefing on services provided to the local population. India’s backing for UNRWA’s work in health, education and other essential services remains firm. Beyond these concrete projects, Ranganathan held a series of meetings with senior Palestinian officials. She called on Health Minister Dr Majed Abu Ramadan to explore further cooperation in the health sector, met Diplomatic Adviser Dr Majdi Al-Khaldi to review the broader India-Palestine partnership, and held talks with Foreign Minister Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. She also met Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Mustafa. Discussions covered political engagement, development cooperation and new initiatives in health, education and skills being launched during the visit. The engagements took place against the backdrop of the continuing crisis in Gaza. In a formal readout of the talks, the Indian embassy in Ramallah stated: “Secretary reaffirmed India’s consistent support for the Palestinian people and negotiated a two-state solution". The Indian diplomat "conveyed India’s concern over the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza and underscored the importance of ensuring the safe, sustained and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population there" while reiterating "India’s support for efforts towards peace and stability and for a lasting political resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.”

India has begun construction of a 200-bed super-speciality hospital in Jenin, strengthening its development partnership and healthcare support for Palestine.

India to construct super-speciality hospital & expand limb fitment support for Palestine

Tensions are escalating in the West Bank as Israeli settlers continue to besiege Palestinian homes in the village of Qusra, south of Nablus. Several Palestinian families have reportedly been trapped inside their homes, with access to essential supplies disrupted.

The Israeli military attempted to clear the area but was unable to remove the settlers. Additional troops have since been deployed, while the IDF says the forces are there to maintain security and protect residents. Reports also say disciplinary action is being considered over allegations of soldiers assisting or fraternising with settlers.

The incident has drawn international criticism, including from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who condemned the siege. The developments have added to growing concerns over settler violence, Palestinian displacement and rising tensions across the West Bank.

Palestinians say Israeli forces take no action against settlers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described his latest White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump as "one of the best conversations" they have ever had. The high-level discussions focused on Iran's nuclear program, regional security, and the broader situation in West Asia following the Iran conflict. Netanyahu said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and strengthening Israel's long-term security. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the White House, with anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish groups, Christian organizations, and other faith-based activists calling for an end to the war in Gaza, an end to violence in the West Bank, and a renewed push for diplomacy over military action.

Netanyahu hails Trump meeting as 'One of the Best' amid Iran tensions and White House protests

Violence has surged once again in the occupied West Bank after Palestinian officials accused Israeli settlers of setting fire to two mosques and vandalizing buildings in the village of Qusra. The Israeli military says troops were deployed to the area and confirmed evidence of arson and graffiti, though the suspects had already fled.

West Bank Violence Escalates as Settlers Torch Mosques, Israel Conducts Raids | West Asia Crisis 

Violence has flared once again in the occupied West Bank after Israeli settlers allegedly set fire to two mosques and vandalized Palestinian property in the village of Qusra. The Israeli military says troops were deployed to search for the attackers, but the suspects had already fled. The latest unrest comes days after deadly settler attacks near Nablus that left Palestinians and Israeli security personnel dead. Israeli forces also carried out widespread raids across the occupied West Bank, arresting dozens of Palestinians, while clashes erupted as troops fired tear gas at protesters and journalists.

Israeli settler violence escalates in West Bank | Mosques burned, dozens arrested | West Asia Crisis

Tensions flared in the West Bank as a violent clash erupted on a hilltop settlement involving rock-throwing incidents between settlers and local residents. Multiple injuries have been reported, prompting immediate intervention by security forces to control the escalating situation.


West bank violence: Rock-throwing clash on a hill top settlement, injuries reported

From India's NEET protest talks to rising tensions in West Asia, today's biggest international developments are making headlines.

In this bulletin:

CJP and the government hold another round of talks over the NEET paper leak protests.
Yemen's Houthi forces claim a missile strike on Saudi Arabia.
Donald Trump says the US will not finalize a Saudi nuclear deal without normalization with Israel.
Trump threatens action after the EU's billion-dollar fine on Google.
French wildfires force mass evacuations.
China reports deaths after a deadly landslide.
Netanyahu orders a new settler outpost in the occupied West Bank.

Watch the full roundup of the biggest global developments shaping world politics, diplomacy, conflict, and international affairs.

NEET Protest | Trump's Saudi Deal | Houthi Attack |Europe Wildfires | China Landslide | Wion News 

US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna on Saturday (July 11) claimed he was detained by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank during a visit this week aimed at assessing the human impact of the Israeli occupation.&nbsp;The California representative said the incident took place on Wednesday while he was visiting the Palestinian hamlet of Khirbet Zanuta, where residents have previously been displaced following repeated settler attacks.&nbsp;According to Khanna, the group's van was surrounded and blocked by armed Israeli settlers carrying American-made M4 machine guns before they called the Israeli military."We were at a village that Israeli settlers had destroyed; they had destroyed the school, they had destroyed that village, and we were just looking at it," said Khanna.&nbsp;"And these hoodlums come in with machine guns – M4, an American-made machine gun – and they detain us. They block off the road. And then they call the IDF, and ​the IDF is on their side, not on the side of the Americans," Khanna said, referring to the Israeli military.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-the-blood-of-his-slain-predecessor-and-father-soon-1783769496896">Ro Khanna says armed Israeli settlers detained him during West Bank visit</a>&nbsp;An aide travelling with Khanna, Cameron Kasky, said the group was held for more than an hour before officers who appeared to be Israeli police arrived and allowed them to leave.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Israeli settlers, brandishing American made M4s, detained me &amp; other Americans on my trip to Palestine. When the IDF arrived, they sided with the settlers &amp; continued our detention. They made a huge mistake. You will be hearing more soon. <a href="https://t.co/rZw8bRAn64">https://t.co/rZw8bRAn64</a> <a href="https://t.co/4z50Ye4I7K">pic.twitter.com/4z50Ye4I7K</a>&mdash; Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://x.com/RoKhanna/status/2075934812334915801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The incident comes as Khanna has been at the centre of several high-profile political issues, including leading efforts to push for the release of the Epstein files while taking an increasingly vocal position on US-Israel ties. He is also considering a run for the 2028 US presidential election.&nbsp;The Indian-American lawmaker said the visit had strengthened his resolve to enter the presidential race.&nbsp;"I'm strongly considering it, and I'm more resolved to consider it after this trip," he said.Khanna also argued that the Israel-Palestine conflict has become a defining moral issue for the Democratic Party.&nbsp;"If you're unwilling to speak up for Palestinian human rights, if you're unwilling to speak up against the genocide in Gaza, the apartheid in the West Bank, then you are morally compromised," he said.&nbsp;Israel has repeatedly rejected allegations that it is committing "genocide" in Gaza or operating an apartheid system in the West Bank.&nbsp;According to a Reuters poll, Israel's favourability among Democratic voters has declined sharply in recent years. At the same time, a growing number of Democratic lawmakers have called for placing conditions on the nearly $3.8 billion in annual US military aid provided to Israel.

US Congressman Ro Khanna claimed armed Israeli settlers detained his group during a visit to the occupied West Bank, an experience he said strengthened his resolve to consider a 2028 presidential bid.

US Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna on Saturday (July 11) claimed he was detained by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank during a visit this week aimed at assessing the human impact of the Israeli occupation. The California representative said the incident took place on Wednesday while he was visiting the Palestinian hamlet of Khirbet Zanuta, where residents have previously been displaced following repeated settler attacks. According to Khanna, the group's van was surrounded and blocked by armed Israeli settlers carrying American-made M4 machine guns before they called the Israeli military. "We were at a village that Israeli settlers had destroyed; they had destroyed the school, they had destroyed that village, and we were just looking at it," said Khanna. "And these hoodlums come in with machine guns – M4, an American-made machine gun – and they detain us. They block off the road. And then they call the IDF, and the IDF is on their side, not on the side of the Americans," Khanna said, referring to the Israeli military. Also Read: Ro Khanna says armed Israeli settlers detained him during West Bank visit An aide travelling with Khanna, Cameron Kasky, said the group was held for more than an hour before officers who appeared to be Israeli police arrived and allowed them to leave.

US Congressman Ro Khanna claimed armed Israeli settlers detained his group during a visit to the occupied West Bank, an experience he said strengthened his resolve to consider a 2028 presidential bid.

US lawmaker Ro Khanna says armed Israeli settlers detained him during West Bank visit

The ongoing West Asia conflict is expected to have serious economic consequences for Pakistan, with inflation projected to rise sharply to nearly 17%. Surging global oil prices, disrupted supply chains, and currency pressure are likely to worsen the country’s already fragile economic situation.

As energy import costs climb, essential goods and fuel prices could see a significant increase, impacting households and businesses alike. Economists warn that external shocks from geopolitical tensions are amplifying domestic vulnerabilities.

West Bank Sees Surge In Settler Violence: IDF Concerns Grow 

Israel is reportedly preparing one of its largest settlement expansion plans in years, a move that could further heighten tensions in the region and draw international scrutiny. The reported expansion has sparked concerns over the future of peace negotiations, the Palestinian territories, and the broader geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Critics warn the move could deepen divisions, while supporters argue it strengthens Israel’s strategic and security interests.


West Bank Expansion: Report Says Over $350 Million Plan For New Settlement

Israel's cabinet is discussing a plan to approve a multiyear plan allocating over $350 million to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is going to lead one of the most substantial settlement expansion initiatives in recent decades. Axios journalist Barak Ravid said on Thursday, citing a draft government decision.“While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to a draft government decision I obtained,” wrote Axios journalist Barak Ravid on X.The plan allocates immediate funding for infrastructure, temporary mobile housing, and public facilities before standard, formal planning procedures are legally finalised. The proposal follows a government decision approved last week, allocating roughly $35 million for planning and regulatory work for the settlements in the occupied West Bank.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-iran-water-reservoirs-gulf-desalination-plants-water-security-1781158900633">US strikes leave 20,000 without water as fears grow over Gulf infrastructure</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇮🇱🇵🇸 While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied…&mdash; Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) <a href="https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2064907804998054185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to Ravid, many of the settlements are located in sensitive areas such as Highway 90 in the Jordan Valley, in the South Hebron Hills. He highlights the significance, as it's not just in the number and locations but the mechanism, which allows “physical implementation before completing the full statutory planning process”. This is particularly done to undermine any prospect of a Palestinian state.Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the development in a post on the social media platform X, “There are alarming reports of settler violence coming from the occupied West Bank: the demolition of homes, relentless expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, ongoing displacement of Palestinians, the threat of an attempted annexation that would – like the decades-long occupation – have no legal validity. The risk of making a two-State solution impossible – when there is no other viable option. And throughout, the presumption of impunity. These injustices must stop.” He added that all countries without exception must abide by international law. On Monday, the UK, Canada, France, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand imposed coordinated sanctions on the networks financing settler violence.&nbsp;

Israel's cabinet is expected to discuss a $350 million plan to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing criticism from the UN and raising concerns about prospects for a Palestinian state.

Israel's cabinet is discussing a plan to approve a multiyear plan allocating over $350 million to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is going to lead one of the most substantial settlement expansion initiatives in recent decades. Axios journalist Barak Ravid said on Thursday, citing a draft government decision. “While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to a draft government decision I obtained,” wrote Axios journalist Barak Ravid on X. The plan allocates immediate funding for infrastructure, temporary mobile housing, and public facilities before standard, formal planning procedures are legally finalised. The proposal follows a government decision approved last week, allocating roughly $35 million for planning and regulatory work for the settlements in the occupied West Bank. Also Read: US strikes leave 20,000 without water as fears grow over Gulf infrastructure

Israel's cabinet is expected to discuss a $350 million plan to establish 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing criticism from the UN and raising concerns about prospects for a Palestinian state.

Israel considers $350 million plan for 61 new West Bank settlements

The United Nations has expressed concern following an investigation into the killing of a child in the West Bank, calling for accountability and a thorough, independent probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The statement adds to growing international scrutiny over escalating violence in the region.


United Nations Flags Concern After West Bank Child Killing Probe

A seven-month-old Palestinian infant was killed, and his parents were wounded after Israeli forces opened fire on their vehicle near the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Friday, according to the Palestinian health ministry.&nbsp;The ministry identified the child as Sam Fahd Abou Haikal and said he died after Israeli troops fired at the family's vehicle in an area south of Hebron. His mother and father sustained minor injuries in the incident.&nbsp;The Israeli military acknowledged that its soldiers had fired at the vehicle but said the shooting occurred after troops believed the car posed a threat.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said: "Earlier today, during operational activity in the area of Hebron, IDF soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them."&nbsp;“An IDF soldier responded with single shots toward the vehicle. As a result, three Palestinians were injured and evacuated for medical treatment.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier today, during operational activity in the area of Hebron, IDF soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them. An IDF soldier responded with single shots toward the vehicle. As a result, three Palestinians were injured and evacuated for medical treatment. An…&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://x.com/IDF/status/2062999547119583326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Israeli military says family were 'uninvolved civilians'</h3>The military said a preliminary review found that the victims were not involved in any hostile activity.&nbsp;"An initial inquiry found that those injured were uninvolved civilians. The incident is under review, and the findings will be submitted for review by the relevant authorities."&nbsp;"The IDF expresses deep sorrow for any harm caused to uninvolved individuals," the statement added.&nbsp;The incident comes amid continuing violence in the West Bank and Gaza since the outbreak of the war following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/annamalai-s-new-political-movement-records-10-lakh-sign-ups-within-10-hours-1780702127365">Annamalai's new political movement records 10 lakh registrations within 10 hours</a>&nbsp;According to Palestinian authorities, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the conflict began.&nbsp;Israel says around 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack.&nbsp;According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 70,600 people have been killed in Israeli military operations in the enclave since the start of the war.

The IDF said a preliminary assessment found the victims were civilians with no apparent involvement in the incident, and the findings will be reviewed by the relevant authorities.

A seven-month-old Palestinian infant was killed, and his parents were wounded after Israeli forces opened fire on their vehicle near the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Friday, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The ministry identified the child as Sam Fahd Abou Haikal and said he died after Israeli troops fired at the family's vehicle in an area south of Hebron. His mother and father sustained minor injuries in the incident. The Israeli military acknowledged that its soldiers had fired at the vehicle but said the shooting occurred after troops believed the car posed a threat. In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said: "Earlier today, during operational activity in the area of Hebron, IDF soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them." “An IDF soldier responded with single shots toward the vehicle. As a result, three Palestinians were injured and evacuated for medical treatment.”

The IDF said a preliminary assessment found the victims were civilians with no apparent involvement in the incident, and the findings will be reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Israeli gunfire kills seven-month-old Palestinian infant in West Bank; IDF expresses 'deep sorrow'

A car-ramming incident has been reported in the West Bank, triggering a major security response in the area. Initial reports suggest that two girls were injured after a vehicle struck pedestrians at a busy location. Security forces quickly arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.


West Bank Car-Ramming Incident Sparks Security Alert, Two Girls Reportedly Injured 

UNICEF has raised alarm over the increasing number of minors being killed during Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank. The warning comes amid escalating violence, growing humanitarian concerns and renewed international scrutiny over the impact of the conflict on children.

UNICEF: Israeli Operations Killing More West Bank Minors

Israel's President Isaac Herzog delivered an unusually harsh indictment of the rising violence in West Bank. He opined that these acts defile and violate every basic moral, legal and Jewish norm. As per UN, West Bank has recorded an average of 6 settler attacks per day since the beginning of 2026.


Herzog Slams 'Brutish' Jewish Settler Violence in West Bank, Ben-Gvir Hits Back

Fresh Israeli military raids and demolitions across the West Bank have intensified fears of a wider uprising in the occupied territory. Roadblocks, arrests and military operations have disrupted daily life in several towns, paralysing movement and deepening tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinians. The escalating situation comes amid growing regional instability, with concerns mounting over the possibility of another major wave of unrest in the West Bank.


Israel-Gaza War: Israeli Raids And Road Blocks Paralyse West Bank Towns

Israeli Raids and Roadblocks Paralyse West Bank Towns, Fears of a New West Bank Uprising Gain Momentum

A senior Israeli military commander has reportedly warned that rising violence in the occupied West Bank: described in internal remarks as “Jewish terrorism”—could spark a wider Palestinian uprising. The warning comes amid growing tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian communities.

According to reports, the head of Israel’s Central Command cautioned that escalating settler violence may not remain contained, and could eventually trigger large-scale unrest across the region. Israel continues to face increasing internal and external pressure over security, governance, and control in the West Bank.

The situation highlights deepening instability in the occupied territories, where frequent clashes, attacks, and retaliations are fueling fears of a broader escalation.

Top IDF General Warns “Jewish Terrorism” In West Bank Could Trigger Palestinian Uprising

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. The vote in Deir al-Balah is largely symbolic as one of the few areas in the enclave not to have experienced an Israeli ground invasion.<h2>Who are the candidates, and how many registered voters are there?</h2>Gaza remains largely under Hamas control, while the West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) through the Palestinian Authority led by 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, but Fatah maintained control and refused to cede to Hamas, leading to a brief but violent civil war also known as the Battle of Gaza and the ousting of Fatah from Gaza.&nbsp;In 2026, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of the Occupied West Bank that is not under the direct control of the Israeli occupation forces. Reuters report claims that eventhough Hamas is not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, a slate of candidates was fielded who were aligned with it.&nbsp;In the West Bank, most of the electoral lists are dominated by Fatah, a secular nationalist front and a major segment of the PLO. While some are running as independents. In many West Bank cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one list was submitted, meaning Fatah automatically wins. However, according to the polling from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, Hamas remains the most popular front in both the West Bank and the Gaza. According to a report by Deutsche Welle, which cites data from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, there are approximately 1.5 million voters in the West Bank, while there are 70,000 in Gaza.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-crisis-un-infections-pests-shelter-shortage-1776950108022">Gaza health crisis worsens as infections triple in displacement camps: UN</a><h2>UN deems the election as a "credible process"</h2>The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission, said the main idea is to link the West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella.UN formally recognises the Israeli Military presence in Palestinian territory as “belligerent occupation”. It recognises that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza are “occupied” and Israel is the occupying power and its military is the occupying force.&nbsp;

Palestinians cast ballots in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2006 and in the West Bank for the first time since the war in 2023, with Hamas being banned and Fatah dominating much of the electorate list.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza cast their votes in municipal and village elections on Saturday morning for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, and the first poll of any kind to be held in Gaza since 2006. The vote in the West Bank will determine the makeup of the local councils overseeing water, roads and electricity. Turnout may reflect the level of public trust in a broader system led by the Palestinian Authority’s ageing leaders, who haven’t held legislative or political elections in decades. The vote in Deir al-Balah is largely symbolic as one of the few areas in the enclave not to have experienced an Israeli ground invasion. Who are the candidates, and how many registered voters are there? Gaza remains largely under Hamas control, while the West Bank is under the control of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) through the Palestinian Authority led by 90-year-old Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas won the election in Gaza in 2006, but Fatah maintained control and refused to cede to Hamas, leading to a brief but violent civil war also known as the Battle of Gaza and the ousting of Fatah from Gaza. In 2026, Hamas was not allowed to participate in the elections in Gaza, and several other factions have boycotted the election as it demanded the recognition of the authority of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, which governs part of the Occupied West Bank that is not under the direct control of the Israeli occupation forces. Reuters report claims that eventhough Hamas is not on the ballot in Deir al-Balah, a slate of candidates was fielded who were aligned with it. In the West Bank, most of the electoral lists are dominated by Fatah, a secular nationalist front and a major segment of the PLO. While some are running as independents. In many West Bank cities, including Nablus and Ramallah, only one list was submitted, meaning Fatah automatically wins. However, according to the polling from the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research, Hamas remains the most popular front in both the West Bank and the Gaza. According to a report by Deutsche Welle, which cites data from the Ramallah-based Central Elections Commission, there are approximately 1.5 million voters in the West Bank, while there are 70,000 in Gaza. Also Read: Gaza health crisis worsens as infections triple in displacement camps: UN UN deems the election as a "credible process" The United Nations has officially described the ongoing Palestinian local elections as a "credible process." UN coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov said, "Saturday's elections represent an important opportunity for Palestinians to exercise their democratic rights during an exceptionally challenging period." Fareed Taamallah, a spokesperson of the election commission, said the main idea is to link the West Bank and Gaza under one political umbrella. UN formally recognises the Israeli Military presence in Palestinian territory as “belligerent occupation”. It recognises that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and Gaza are “occupied” and Israel is the occupying power and its military is the occupying force.

Palestinians cast ballots in the Gaza Strip for the first time since 2006 and in the West Bank for the first time since the war in 2023, with Hamas being banned and Fatah dominating much of the electorate list.

Palestinians vote in West Bank for first time since 2023, Gaza since 2006

Israel has reopened the occupied West Bank settlement of Sa-Nur, allowing settlers to return nearly two decades after its evacuation. The move marks a significant and controversial development in the region, reigniting debates over settlement expansion and territorial disputes. Israeli officials describe it as a restoration of historic presence, while critics warn it could further escalate tensions in the already volatile West Bank.


Israel Reopens Sa-Nur Settlement; Settlers Return After Two Decades

Israel has reopened the occupied West Bank settlement of Sa-Nur, allowing settlers to return nearly two decades after its evacuation. The move marks a significant and controversial development in the region, reigniting debates over settlement expansion and territorial disputes. Israeli officials describe it as a restoration of historic presence, while critics warn it could further escalate tensions in the already volatile West Bank.

Israel Reopens Occupied West Bank Settlement Sa-Nur; Settlers Return 2 Decades After Removal 

Tensions continue to rise in the West Bank as Israeli forces reportedly fired tear gas at Palestinian schoolchildren, while growing settler violence has made daily life increasingly difficult. In some areas, children have been blocked from reaching their schools, adding to fear and disruption for families. 


Israeli Settlers Block Palestinian Children's School Path, Fire Tear Gas at Them

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India to construct super-speciality hospital & expand limb fitment support for Palestine

Palestinians say Israeli forces take no action against settlers

Netanyahu hails Trump meeting as 'One of the Best' amid Iran tensions and White House protests

West Bank Violence Escalates as Settlers Torch Mosques, Israel Conducts Raids | West Asia Crisis

Israeli settler violence escalates in West Bank | Mosques burned, dozens arrested | West Asia Crisis

West bank violence: Rock-throwing clash on a hill top settlement, injuries reported

NEET Protest | Trump's Saudi Deal | Houthi Attack |Europe Wildfires | China Landslide | Wion News

NEET Protest | Trump's Saudi Deal | Houthi Attack |Europe Wildfires | China Landslide | Wion News

US lawmaker Ro Khanna says armed Israeli settlers detained him in West Bank

West Bank Sees Surge In Settler Violence: IDF Concerns Grow

West Bank Expansion: Report Says Over $350 Million Plan For New Settlement

Israel considers $350 million plan for 61 new West Bank settlements

United Nations Flags Concern After West Bank Child Killing Probe

Israeli gunfire kills seven-month-old Palestinian infant in West Bank; IDF expresses 'deep sorrow'

West Bank Car-Ramming Incident Sparks Security Alert, Two Girls Reportedly Injured

UNICEF: Israeli Operations Killing More West Bank Minors

Herzog Slams 'Brutish' Jewish Settler Violence in West Bank, Ben-Gvir Hits Back

Israel-Gaza War: Israeli Raids And Road Blocks Paralyse West Bank Towns

Israeli Raids and Roadblocks Paralyse West Bank Towns, Fears of a New West Bank Uprising Gain Momentum

Top IDF General Warns “Jewish Terrorism” In West Bank Could Trigger Palestinian Uprising

Palestinians vote in West Bank for first time since 2023, Gaza since 2006

Israel Reopens Sa-Nur Settlement; Settlers Return After Two Decades

Israel Reopens Occupied West Bank Settlement Sa-Nur; Settlers Return 2 Decades After Removal

Israeli Settlers Block Palestinian Children's School Path, Fire Tear Gas at Them