10 Palestinians killed, scores hurt in Israel West Bank raid

At least 10 Palestinians were killed and numerous more were injured in a gunfight that started after Israeli forces conducted an arrest raid during the day in the West Bank city of Nablus. According to reports, the attack was one of the worst in over a year of conflict in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and it may result in more deaths. Among the victims were a 16-year-old kid, two elderly Palestinian men (ages 72 and 61), and two other individuals. The operation severely damaged the city’s marketplace. The operation was carried out in response to intelligence about the whereabouts of three militants, one of whom was the main suspect in the killing of an Israeli soldier last fall. These raids are typically carried out at night by the Israeli military to lower the possibility of civilian deaths. But, after intelligence services located the individuals in a hiding, the Israeli forces moved rapidly. According to the military, the operation resulted in frequent gunfire and explosive assaults on the forces. The city’s Najah Hospital was overrun by the influx of injured people. Before shots were fired and both males collapsed to the ground, two unarmed young men were seen racing down a street on video. The footage was deemed troublesome by the military, who also stated that they were investigating into it.

The Palestinian Health Ministry announced 10 people dead, with various Palestinian militant groups claiming six of the dead – including the three targeted in the raid – as members. There was no immediate word on whether the others belonged to armed groups. In response to the operation, Hamas said that their patience was “running out”, while Islamic Jihad vowed to retaliate. The Israeli police force said it was on heightened alert in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, anticipating violence. Israeli officials have described these operations as “mowing the lawn” and argue they are necessary to prevent a difficult situation from turning worse. However, such operations have shown few signs of slowing violence and, in some cases like this, raise the likelihood of reprisals.

The raid comes less than two months after the new Israeli hard-line government took office, which is dominated by ultranationalists who have pushed for tougher action against Palestinian militants and vowed to entrench Israeli rule in the occupied West Bank. Israeli media have reported top security officials expressing concern that this could lead to even more violence as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. The Cabinet includes a number of West Bank settler leaders, one of whom has been promised authority over settlement construction.

In a move that could further raise tensions, Yesha, the settlement council, announced that Israeli planning officials had granted approval to nearly 2,000 new homes in settlements across the West Bank. There was no immediate confirmation from the government, but an announcement was expected Thursday after a planning committee wrapped up a two-day meeting. The Palestinians and most of the international community say settlements built on occupied lands are illegal and a major obstacle to peace, and this move is likely to be condemned by the Palestinians.

The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been ongoing for decades and has resulted in numerous deaths and casualties. Palestinians seek an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and east Jerusalem. The international community, including the United Nations, recognises these territories as occupied by Israel. The conflict has resulted in several wars, as well as ongoing violence, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks, that have killed both Israelis and Palestinians. The conflict has also resulted in the construction of walls and fences by Israel, which are intended to separate Israel from the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

(AP inputs)

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