It has now been one week since Israel launched military strikes on Iran, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes in Tehran and other cities, and sparking fears of a broader regional escalation.
The bombing of Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, alongside provocative remarks by US President Donald Trump, who hinted at American involvement, has drawn global attention.
Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowing "severe punishment" and ordering strikes on Tel Aviv in a move seen as unprecedented.
So far, at least 639 Iranians have been killed and 1,329 wounded, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), while 24 Israelis have died from Iranian strikes, according to Israeli authorities.
Despite this, rights groups have urged the world not to lose sight of Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations and war crimes continue.
The New Arab breakdowns major developments on Palestinian territories over the past week, since Israel began its assault on Iran.
Friday 13th
Israel launched its strikes on Iran and simultaneously imposed a complete lockdown on the occupied West Bank. Military checkpoints, roadblocks, and closures cut off movement between cities and villages.
The army sealed all entrances to Jericho and the King Hussein Bridge, connecting the West Bank to Jordan, with iron gates and armed checkpoints.
Israeli forces also opened fire on civilians and journalists at the Deir Sharaf checkpoint west of Nablus, according to Wafa.
At the same time, worshippers were forcibly removed from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during dawn prayers. The gates were sealed as Israeli forces cleared the area.
While Israeli citizens were given detailed instructions and access to bomb shelters in anticipation of Iranian retaliation, Palestinians received no guidance or support.
In Gaza, Israeli forces continued airstrikes on Nasser Hospital, a refugee camp in Nuseirat, and at the Sanfour junction east of Al-Tuffah in Gaza City.
Saturday 14th
At least 79 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, half of them while waiting for emergency aid, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence.
The Israeli military also continued bombardment of Nasser Hospital, one of the last partially functioning medical centres in the enclave. Meanwhile, internet connectivity remained severely disrupted.
In Egypt, videos surfaced showing attacks on members of the Gaza Solidarity Convoy. Activists accused Egyptian authorities of obstructing humanitarian aid efforts. Hundreds of foreign nationals arriving at Cairo Airport to join the convoy were reportedly detained.
Four Palestinian citizens of Israel were also killed in Iranian strikes on the town of Tamra, near Haifa. Footage circulated online showing Israeli citizens celebrating the deaths with anti-Arab chants, including: "May your village burn".
Sunday 15th
More than 45 Palestinians were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes, including at least 23 civilians near aid distribution points and trucks.
Gaza’s Health Ministry warned that the remaining few hospitals face imminent closure due to Israel’s obstruction of aid and lack of medical supplies.
Israeli forces also escalated the issuance of expulsion orders and shelled residential buildings.
In the Netherlands, tens of thousands of demonstrators dressed in red marched through The Hague to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Monday 16th
Palestinian citizens of Israel were denied access to bomb shelters as Iran retaliated against Israel.
Some were refused entry or given no access codes, prompting accusations of systemic discrimination.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 50 Palestinians, nearly half of them near aid distribution centres run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Tuesday 17th
The US embassy in Jerusalem announced its closure until Friday following Iran's retaliation, directing staff to shelter in place.
In southern Gaza, at least 80 Palestinians were killed, many while queuing for aid near a US-run distribution centre.
The Palestinian Authority reported that fixed-line and internet services in central and southern Gaza were cut after Israel damaged the main fibre optic cable.
In the West Bank, Israeli settlers launched coordinated attacks on Palestinian-owned properties in cities including Nablus, Ramallah, and Qalqilya. One settler group reportedly attacked a stone factory under army protection.
Separately, Israeli media outlet Ynet cited unnamed sources claiming progress in talks for a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel, but Palestinian factions later denied any agreement had been reached.
Wednesday 18th
The Palestinian Health Ministry announced that Israeli forces had killed at least 140 people in Gaza over the previous 24 hours.
In the West Bank, raids and arrests continued. Two people were detained in Meithalun town and two others in Masafer Yatta, according to Wafa.
Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa appealed to the Arab League for financial assistance, stating that Israel’s withholding of $2.2 billion in tax revenues had crippled essential services, including health, education, and security.
Israel has withheld Palestinian tax revenue since 2019.
Thursday 19th
Israeli strikes killed at least 23 Palestinians in the early hours, including 16 people waiting for humanitarian aid.
Among the dead was Ahmed al-Mufti, captain of the Palestinian national volleyball team and a player for Jabalia Youth Club.
Online, tributes poured in for the sports player, with many remembering him as a dedicated and prominent team player.
In the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, the Israeli military carried out the demolition of 95 homes in the city’s refugee camp, Wafa reported, adding it is home to over 11,000 people.
The demolitions are part of a plan to level 95 homes by Israeli authorities and come after 66 buildings were destroyed in March.