# Escalating Tensions in West Bank and Sudan Conflict Updates Israel deports activists amid West Bank unrest while Sudanese forces report regional gains. - **Source:** [Asharq Al-Awsat English](https://english.aawsat.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [world](https://brifing.si/c/world) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/84f83a32-5e4c-49f0-b872-52c27c5d3c59 ## West Bank Activist Deportations Israeli authorities deported 14 Western activists who were supporting Palestinian farmers during the annual olive harvest. The government cited visa violations and public order disruption as primary reasons for the expulsion. These individuals, from nations including Germany and Italy, were detained near Ramallah following altercations between activists and local Israeli settlers. ## Settler Violence Documentation The rights group Yesh Din reported over 850 incidents of settler violence during the five-week olive harvest season. These attacks have targeted Palestinian farmers, journalists from major outlets, and even visiting foreign officials. Such systematic violence has drawn significant international criticism, prompting Israel to express anger over global sanctions on settlement products. ## Jericho Property Takeover Controversy A secret operation led to 20 Jewish families seizing eight homes in Jericho, claiming legal purchase through the Nachala movement. This move triggered an immediate crisis within the Palestinian Authority, which launched an arrest campaign against property brokers. The site is located in Area C, near the historically significant Hasmonean Palaces archaeological area. ## Military Involvement Allegations Reports indicate that Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, head of the Israeli military's Central Command, allegedly knew about the Jericho takeover beforehand. Sources claim he met with settler leaders to ensure operational secrecy. The military has officially dismissed these accusations as baseless, despite the subsequent diversion of three combat platoons to the area. ## Displacement of Bedouin Communities The arrival of settlers in the Jericho area forced two local Bedouin families to abandon their temporary shelters. Although the Israeli military claimed to have offered assistance to prevent their departure, the families chose to leave. Officials now warn that this settlement expansion could lead to further regional escalation and instability. ## Palestinian Authority Legal Response The Palestinian Land Authority has rejected the validity of any sale documents regarding the Jericho properties. They stated that the land includes state-owned plots and that any transactions facilitated by the occupation are null and void. Security forces are currently investigating brokers to prevent further unauthorized transfers of Palestinian homes to settlers. ## Sudan Conflict Territorial Shifts Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces and the SPLM-N alliance claimed the capture of Maqja in the Blue Nile region. This follows a series of clashes that saw the alliance gain control over Sali, Al-Keili, and Bakori. While the Sudanese army did not confirm the loss, regional authorities acknowledged significant changes in troop deployments. ## Information Warfare in Sudan Both the Sudanese army and the RSF are engaged in a fierce information war regarding territorial control. Pro-army platforms dismissed the RSF's capture of Maqja as propaganda, claiming the area was already abandoned. These conflicting narratives make independent verification of the actual frontline positions in the Blue Nile region extremely difficult. ## Drone Warfare Escalation Military tensions in Sudan have extended to the skies, with both sides reporting the downing of hostile drones. The army claimed to have destroyed an FH-95 drone in West Kordofan, while the RSF alleged they shot down a Bayraktar Akinci. Neither side provided verifiable evidence or identified the specific operators of the downed aircraft. ## Regional Stability Concerns The Blue Nile regional government has urged residents to ignore unverified reports regarding the collapse of military positions. Officials are attempting to maintain order as the conflict spreads across multiple states. The situation remains volatile, with both the army and paramilitary groups competing for strategic control over key regional supply routes. ## Historical Context of Occupation The current unrest in the West Bank occurs within the framework of an occupation that has persisted since 1967. The intersection of agricultural cycles, such as the olive harvest, and settlement expansion creates recurring friction points. International observers note that these events are part of a broader, long-standing struggle over land rights. ## Broader Implications of Conflict These developments in the Middle East and Sudan highlight the fragility of local security environments. Whether through the deportation of international observers or the seizure of homes, the actions taken by state and non-state actors continue to reshape regional demographics. Monitoring these trends is essential for understanding the future of these territories. ## Sources covering this story - https://english.aawsat.com/node/5338897 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._