Bethlehem: Israeli forces raided the premises of a hospital in Bethlehem in the southern occupied West Bank on Monday evening and assaulted patients and visitors, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that Israeli forces stormed the grounds of the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation hospital, instilling fear among patients and visitors and assaulting some individuals. The ministry issued a statement condemning the raid and ongoing violations against hospitals and medical centers by Israeli forces.

The ministry emphasized that hospitals and health facilities have protection under international law. It stated that raiding or attacking such facilities or endangering patients and medical personnel constitutes a serious violation of international conventions and laws. The ministry added that these actions threaten health services and patients' right to receive care safely.

The ministry urged international health and humanitarian organizations, particularly the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to intervene immediately to halt repeated violations against hospitals, medical centers, and health workers. It also called for guarantees to protect medical facilities and ensure the safety of patients and staff.

The occupied West Bank has seen an escalation in attacks by Israeli occupiers against Palestinians and their property, especially since Israel launched its war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023.