In brief
Tensions rise as protests erupt in the West Bank amidst the newly instated Gaza cease-fire.
In a controversial move, President Trump has lifted sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on Israeli individuals and far-right settler groups, which accused of violence against Palestinians. This decision coincided with violent protests from Jewish extremists in the occupied West Bank against the cease-fire in Gaza, recently initiated after months of conflict. The Israeli military reported that it began a counterterrorism operation in Jenin, a city known for its militancy, as tensions escalate. Critics, including Palestinian officials, have decried the sanctions' cancellation, fearing it might fuel further violence in an already fragile situation. This policy shift aligns with the demands of hard-line members within the Israeli government and prominent figures in the settlement movement. With the cease-fire condition calling for a six-week truce and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the second phase's negotiations remain pending. The situation is precarious, with both sides on high alert as offensive actions continue to unfold in the region.
