2 Palestinians killed, Israeli soldier wounded in West Bank raid

Two Palestinians were killed and an Israeli soldier was seriously wounded in a gun battle during an Israeli raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the dead as Nabil Amer, 19, and Mohammed Al-Awfi, 36, who were shot by Israeli troops in the Tulkarm camp on Sunday. The raid, carried out by the army, the police, and the Shin Bet security service, targetted a senior militant in Tulkarm and a senior Hamas official, along with three other suspects.

According to Palestinian security sources, Israeli forces entered the camp and cordoned it off, sparking clashes with local youths. They added that the Israeli troops surrounded a house in the camp, where they deployed snipers and helicopters. The Israeli public radio reported that the police, acting on Shin Bet intelligence, arrested Al-Awfi, who the Israeli side said was a wanted man in Tulkarm and was involved in shooting attacks on Israeli forces and settlers. He was also suspected of killing Tulkarm residents who were accused of collaborating with Israel, the Israeli radio added.

The radio said Al-Awfi was killed after exchanging fire with the troops, who confiscated his weapons. It said another gunman was also killed and a third was wounded when they opened fire and threw explosives at the soldiers. One Israeli soldier was seriously injured by gunfire and taken to the hospital. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that more than 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since October 7, 2023.

This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing conflict and violence in the West Bank, as tensions continue to rise between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. The loss of life and the serious injury of the Israeli soldier serve as a grim reminder of the volatile situation in the region. The Israeli raid and the resulting casualties have sparked outrage and condemnation from Palestinian officials and have once again brought the long-standing conflict to the forefront of international attention.

The repercussions of this latest violence are likely to be felt for some time, as both sides grapple with the aftermath and the ongoing struggle for control and recognition in the region. The death of the two Palestinians and the injury of the Israeli soldier are tragic reminders of the continuing cycle of violence and the urgent need for a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict in the West Bank.