Israel confiscates 1.5 million shekels in a raid in Ramallah targeting money transfers to Hamas

The Israeli police announced today, Wednesday, the confiscation of about 1.5 million shekels (approximately 447 thousand dollars) during a large-scale security raid carried out yesterday, Tuesday, in the heart of Ramallah in the West Bank.

The raid targeted a currency exchange shop accused of transferring money to Hamas, where large amounts of foreign and local currencies were seized, including US dollars, euros, and Jordanian dinars.

During the operation, which witnessed heavy gunfire, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported 27 injuries.

The Israeli forces also arrested nine wanted individuals who were taken along with the confiscated evidence for investigations, according to a statement by a spokesperson for the Israeli Border Police and Army.

This operation comes as part of a series of intensive raids carried out by Israel in the West Bank since the outbreak of the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, where the pace of military operations has particularly escalated in Palestinian cities, villages, and camps, especially in the north.

These incursions into the heart of Ramallah are relatively rare, especially since the city houses the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority.

As part of this campaign, the Israeli army launched an operation last January called "Iron Wall" targeting refugee camps in northern the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of dozens and the evacuation of three camps housing tens of thousands in Tulkarm and Jenin.

Violence has escalated in the West Bank since the outbreak of the war, with at least 972 Palestinians killed so far by Israeli forces or settlers, according to figures reported by the French news agency based on data from the Palestinian Authority.

These events highlight a dangerous escalation in tensions that could lead to a widespread explosion in the West Bank, amid fears of displacement operations and increasing clashes in the region.