WAFA report alleges IDF released pigs near Tulkarm in provocative move

According to a report by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) allegedly released a large number of pigs in the vicinity of Nur Shams, near the city of Tulkarm, in what local residents are calling a provocative and troubling act. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, with eyewitnesses claiming that the animals were transported in military trucks and released near the officers’ neighborhood in the Iktaba quarter, located in the eastern part of Tulkarm.

Local sources described the move as a "serious and provocative action," asserting that the presence of pigs in the area poses both psychological and material threats. The report emphasized the cultural and religious sensitivities surrounding pigs in Islamic communities, noting that their release was seen not only as an act of intimidation but also a potential cause of property damage and public concern. Residents expressed fears that the animals could be used as a form of psychological warfare or to disrupt daily life in the neighborhood.

WAFA further reported that this incident took place amid increased military activity in the region. The IDF had reportedly established a mobile roadblock on the road leading to the Thabet Thabet Government Hospital, a vital medical facility in the city. In a separate incident, a military unit allegedly raided a local café, questioning patrons on-site.

The agency also noted a broader escalation of IDF operations in eastern Tulkarm, including the deployment of additional troops, the establishment of more mobile roadblocks, and vehicle inspections across the area. These developments have heightened tensions among local residents, who view the actions as part of a broader campaign of pressure and control.

As of now, the IDF has not commented on the WAFA report, and the claims have not been independently verified. However, the story has drawn attention across social media and regional outlets, with critics condemning the alleged use of animals in military operations and calling for further investigation into the incident.