Israeli forces, supported by drone strikes, killed at least 11 Palestinians during clashes in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, according to military and Palestinian health authorities. The violence erupted following large-scale operations conducted by Israeli troops and police in the region.
The Israeli military conducted two separate air strikes in Jenin, resulting in the deaths of four armed militants. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that five people were killed in the airstrike. Additionally, Israeli soldiers and police engaged in armed confrontations with militants in the surrounding areas of the West Bank. Several militants were killed, and numerous others were injured, including those who reportedly threw explosive devices toward the forces.
Social media footage depicted a column of armored personnel carriers entering Jenin, a city known for being a hub of militant activity in the West Bank. Armored bulldozers were also seen digging up roads to locate and disable improvised explosive devices.
Following the airstrikes, Israeli forces surrounded a house in the village of Kafr Qud near Jenin. According to Palestinian health officials, two people were killed in the ensuing gunfire, while two others were wounded. The identities of those killed have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if they were affiliated with any militant factions.
The violence in the West Bank is occurring amidst heightened tensions following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. This incident has exacerbated the multi-front security challenges facing Israeli forces, as they continue their operations against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least four people were killed and seven others wounded by Israeli fire in the West Bank areas between Jenin and Tubas overnight. Among the injured were two children.
One of the victims was a 14-year-old boy who was killed by gunfire during the clashes. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the civilian casualties reported.
With Israel bracing for potential retaliatory actions from Iran following the assassination of Haniyeh, the situation in the West Bank highlights the growing complexity and volatility of the conflict in the region. As tensions continue to escalate, both Israeli and Palestinian authorities are on high alert for further violence and unrest.
