As the tit-for-tat missile exchanges between Israel and Iran escalate, the impact on Palestinian communities in the West Bank has been severe. Since the onset of the conflict on Friday, around 80 fragments of missiles have reportedly struck Palestinian neighborhoods, leaving residents like Alaa Jaradat in dire circumstances. A construction worker by trade, Jaradat recounted how debris from intercepted Iranian missiles damaged his home, causing minor injuries to his children.
While Israelis in fortified settlements have access to bomb shelters, the situation for Palestinians is starkly different. "We’ve had no help from the government, not even a warning," lamented Jaradat, 43, emphasizing the lack of preparedness among his community. According to Nael Al-Azza, a spokesperson for Palestinian emergency services, the absence of proper infrastructure has exacerbated the dangers for Palestinian families living in the shadow of the ongoing conflict.
The Palestinian Authority, which administers part of the West Bank, has been criticized for its inadequate response to the crisis, leaving many without vital information or resources to cope with the attacks. With only minimal warnings about unexploded munitions, frustration has mounted toward both the Israeli military presence and the local authority's shortcomings.
Adding to the chaos, continued Israeli military raids and attacks by settlers have further destabilized the region. Ahmed Jibreel, head of the Palestinian Red Crescent, reported that checkpoints and roadblocks established by the Israeli military hinder emergency response efforts, complicating the movement of ambulances and leaving the injured vulnerable.
The precarious situation has led to unrest in local communities, with residents rushing to gas stations to stockpile fuel in anticipation of potential shortages caused by the conflict. Amid the mounting tension, a new quip has emerged among Palestinians: “What’s the point of stockpiling fuel if you can’t move?” This reflects not only their uncertainty about the future but also their ongoing struggle for safety and basic needs amid an unrelenting crisis.
