Smoke rises from an explosion amid an Israeli raid in Tubas, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, September 11, 2024. REUTERS/Raneen Sawaft
Israeli Forces Kill at Least Six Palestinians Amid Ongoing Operations in the West Bank
Airstrike in Tubas
Israeli forces killed six Palestinians in multiple incidents in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday as part of an extended military operation targeting militant groups in the region. In the northern city of Tubas, five men were killed in an airstrike. The Israeli military reported that these individuals were armed with explosives and posed a threat to their forces. The airstrike also destroyed weapons production sites and a vehicle rigged with explosives, according to military sources. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed the recovery of five bodies, which were transferred to a local hospital.
Incident in Tulkarm
In a separate event, Israeli troops, supported by police and intelligence units, killed an armed militant in the city of Tulkarm. As of now, no Palestinian armed factions have confirmed that the men killed were affiliated with their groups. Israeli forces have sealed off entrances and exits from Tubas, while armored vehicles and road diggers were seen moving through the city, which lies near the Jordanian border.
Ramming Attack Near Ramallah
As operations continued in the West Bank, Israeli forces reported a ramming attack east of Ramallah. According to the military, a fuel tanker accelerated towards Israeli soldiers, resulting in the death of one soldier. The driver of the tanker was shot and killed.
Ongoing Military Operations
Israeli forces have been conducting sustained operations in the northern West Bank over the past two weeks, focusing on cities such as Tubas, Jenin, and Tulkarm. These areas are known for the presence of armed factions, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah. Intense clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters have been reported, and infrastructure in these cities has suffered significant damage due to road digging and the destruction of homes.
Civilian Impact
The ongoing operations have had a severe impact on civilians in the region. In Tulkarm’s refugee camp, where two Palestinians were killed during a raid on Tuesday, residents like Qais Ambar reported being forced to flee as their homes were destroyed. Many are seeking refuge in city mosques after bulldozers demolished houses, causing rubble to spread into neighboring properties.
Surge in Violence
Violence in the West Bank has escalated since the start of the war in Gaza, with daily operations by Israeli forces involving arrests and frequent clashes. According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 680 Palestinians, including fighters and civilians, have been killed in the West Bank since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7 of last year. In the same period, around 40 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed in attacks by Palestinians or during clashes, based on data from Israel’s domestic security agency.
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