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Israeli Army, Shin Bet Discuss ‘Worst-Case Scenarios’ in West Bank

An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
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Israeli Army, Shin Bet Discuss ‘Worst-Case Scenarios’ in West Bank

An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers
An Israeli security officer stands guard as Muslim worshipers pass through a checkpoint near the Asbat Gate in Jerusalem to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers

Israeli security forces in Tel Aviv, along with the army and Shin Bet, are discussing worst-case scenarios and making plans for potential dangers during Ramadan.

With no ceasefire in Gaza and the Israeli government hesitating to take decisive action, concerns about escalation are rising.

The worst-case scenarios, according to Israeli security, involve a major security outbreak in the West Bank and Jerusalem, possibly leading to a third Intifada or uprising.

Reports from Palestinians in East Jerusalem’s Old City suggest heightened security measures, particularly around Al-Aqsa Mosque, with increased patrols, surveillance, and checkpoints.

Israeli authorities are still controlling the number of Muslims allowed to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Ramadan, while Jews continue to have access with police protection.

They’re also considering a plan to restrict West Bank residents from entering and reduce the number of Muslim visitors from East Jerusalem and Israeli citizens during this month.

Palestinian Minister of Religious Affairs Sheikh Hatem Al-Bakri stated that Israeli forces entered Al-Aqsa Mosque 20 times last February and prevented the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron 44 times.

He mentioned daily incursions by settlers at Al-Aqsa, tighter restrictions on Palestinians entering, constant identity checks, and detentions of worshippers.

The Palestinian minister clarified that the actions against Al-Aqsa aren’t about security but are aimed at undermining Palestinians’ religious rights.

Regarding other religious sites, he mentioned settlers damaging a mosque in Masafir Yatta near Hebron, vandalizing its contents, and stealing equipment.

Al-Bakri also noted Israeli forces raiding a mosque in the village of Al-Majaz in Masafir Yatta, causing destruction and desecration.

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Arab World

MSF Suspends Operations at Key Hospital in Sudan's Capital

FILE - South Sudanese people sit outside a nutrition clinic at a transit center in Renk, South Sudan, on May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File)
FILE - South Sudanese people sit outside a nutrition clinic at a transit center in Renk, South Sudan, on May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File)
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MSF Suspends Operations at Key Hospital in Sudan's Capital

FILE - South Sudanese people sit outside a nutrition clinic at a transit center in Renk, South Sudan, on May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File)
FILE - South Sudanese people sit outside a nutrition clinic at a transit center in Renk, South Sudan, on May 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File)

Medical aid agency MSF said on Friday it has been forced to suspend its activities at one of the few remaining hospitals in southern Khartoum due to repeated attacks, cutting off yet another lifeline for those who remain in the Sudanese capital.
War has been raging in Sudan since April 2023, sparked by a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ahead of a planned transition to civilian rule, triggering the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis.
The hospital, which lies in territory controlled by the RSF, helped treat the victims of frequent airstrikes by the Sudanese Armed Forces, as well as hundreds of malnourished women and children in an area where two neighborhoods have been judged at risk of famine, reported Reuters.
"In the 20 months MSF teams have worked alongside hospital staff and volunteers, Bashair Hospital has experienced repeated incidents of armed fighters entering the hospital with weapons and threatening medical staff, often demanding fighters be treated before other patients," MSF said in a statement.
"Despite extensive engagements with all stakeholders, these attacks have continued in recent months. MSF has now taken the very difficult decision to suspend all medical activities in the hospital."
The fighting in Sudan has cut off up to 80% of hospitals in conflict areas, where millions who cannot afford to escape the violence remain. Civilians face frequent air and artillery fire and hunger as supplies are blocked by both warring parties and prices skyrocket.
Medical facilities, including MSF-supported ones that have suspended operations, have frequently come under attack by RSF soldiers demanding treatment or looting supplies. Bashair Hospital has served more than 25,000 people, MSF said, including 9,000 hurt by blasts, gunshot wounds, and other violence.
"Sometimes dozens of people arrived at the hospital at the same time after shelling or airstrikes on residential areas and markets," MSF said in the statement, citing an incident on Sunday where an airstrike one kilometer away drove 50 people to the emergency room, 12 of them already dead.