BETHLEHEM, July 31, 2026 (WAFA) — Israeli occupation forces raided the Solomon's Pools tourist area, located between the town of Al-Khader and the village of Artas, south of Bethlehem, on Friday, forcing visitors to leave the site at gunpoint.

According to Palestinian security sources, Israeli soldiers deployed around the first of the historic pools, ordered Palestinian visitors to leave the area, and closed a commercial kiosk, declaring the site a closed military zone and barring public access.

The raid comes amid an escalation in Israeli military and Israeli colonist actions targeting the Solomon's Pools area, where Palestinians have increasingly been prevented from accessing the popular recreational and heritage site.

M.N