People hold Fatah flags during a protest in support of the people of Gaza, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Hebron, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, October 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mussa Qawasma
In a demonstration of solidarity with the Gaza Strip during an Israeli military offensive against the territory, thousands of Palestinians gathered on the streets of the occupied West Bank in the early hours of Saturday, engaging in communal prayers.
Thousands performed the Fajr, or dawn prayer, in main squares in Nablus, Tulkarm, Jenin and Tubas in the occupied territory, according to an Anadolu reporter.
Following the prayers, hundreds staged demonstrations in support of Gaza in Tulkarm and Tubas, said the reporter.
The mass prayer came as the Israeli army on Friday widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a cross-border attack by Hamas.
The conflict escalated dramatically after Hamas’ military wing carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on Oct. 7 by firing thousands of rockets and sending hundreds of fighters into Israeli towns.
Israel responded with an uninterrupted campaign of air and artillery strikes on the Gaza Strip, and the government announced that it is preparing for a ground offensive to root out Hamas.
More than 8,700 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 7,326 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.
Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.