Ankara: Israeli occupiers assaulted journalists and Palestinian children at a playground in southern Hebron in the occupied West Bank, declaring the site a closed military zone. According to Anadolu Agency, the incident took place on Saturday when activists, journalists, and children were gathered at the community's playground in Khirbet Umm al-Khair, Masafer Yatta. Activist Ahmed al-Hathaleen reported that occupiers, accompanied by the Israeli army and police, launched an assault, forcing their way into the playground and attacking those present.

The occupiers' actions led to soldiers and police declaring the area a 'closed military zone,' resulting in the expulsion of children, journalists, residents, and activists. Al-Hathaleen noted that Israeli forces remain stationed at the playground, continuing to prevent children from accessing the only recreational space available in the community. The playground, which has been part of the community for years, recently underwent renovations and improvements.

Al-Hathaleen highlighted the significance of the site, which has been a repeated target of Israeli occupiers and forces. It is the same location where activist Odeh al-Hathaleen was killed a year ago. He also mentioned that Israel's Civil Administration issued a demolition order for the playground in January, alleging that it was constructed in Area C under the Oslo Accords, despite the community possessing documents to prove its ownership of the land.

The 1995 Oslo II Accord divided the West Bank into Areas A, B, and C, with Area C under full Israeli control. This division accounts for approximately 60% of the territory and was meant to be temporary, pending a final settlement. The ongoing tensions in the area continue to impact the lives of the local Palestinian community.