Israel–Palestine–Lebanon

Tuqu', southeast of Bethlehem: Israeli forces raid two schools during lessons on 21 October and threaten closure, WAFA reports

ATTACK
Location
Khirbet al-Deir area, Tuqu' town centre, Bethlehem governorate (town-level estimate)
Actors
Israel · Palestine
Importance
Standard

Israeli forces raided two schools in the town of Tuqu', southeast of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, on the morning of 21 October 2026, entering classrooms during the first lesson and causing panic among pupils, WAFA reported, citing Tuqu' municipality director Tayseer Abu Mufreh. The forces stormed al-Khansa Preparatory School for Boys and al-Jarmaq Preparatory School for Girls in the Khirbet al-Deir area of the town centre, threatened pupils and staff with punitive measures, warned that both schools could be shut, and seized Palestinian flags before withdrawing. No injuries or detentions were reported. No Israeli military or police statement on the incident was read.

Verification: unverified

Evidence: Israeli forces raid two schools in Bethlehem-area town, threaten closure

WAFA citing the municipality director. Town-level placement.