Shooting, land grabs, heritage disputes: West Bank tensions escalate

A surge in violence and a string of controversial Israeli policies are intensifying tensions in the West Bank. In recent days, a deadly shooting of a pregnant Israeli woman, expanded land registration plans favouring settlers, and new archaeological excavations in a contested heritage site have sparked condemnation and fuelled fears of irreversible changes on the ground.

Tzeela Gez, a 33-year-old therapist from the Israeli settlement of Bruchin, was shot and killed on Wednesday night in a terrorist attack while en route to hospital to give birth. The baby was delivered in an critical condition and remains in intensive care. Tzeela's husband, Hananel, sustained light injuries and managed to call for help.