The wall separating Israel and Palestine at the West Bank. Source : Justin McIntosh via Wikimedia Commons (Used under Creative Commons)
Israeli forces raided the West Bank city and refugee camp of Jenin on Thursday, reportedly killing nine Palestinians.
The raid marks the deadliest day in the West Bank in over a year, according to reports.
A statement released by the Israel Defense Forces, Israel Security Agency, and the Border Police said the raid was to apprehend Islamic operatives.
“The Islamic Jihad terror operatives were heavily involved in executing and planning multiple major terror attacks, including shooting attacks on IDF soldiers and Israeli citizens.” The statement said.
The statement also said that three suspects were neutralised while a fourth surrendered.
Israeli forces said they were aware of “claims regarding additional casualties during the exchange of fire” and were conducting an investigation.
Reports from Palestine said an elderly woman was among those killed by Israeli forces.
The Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC) said Israeli forces initially prevented medical assistance from entering the camp in Jenin, and they had fired tear gas canisters towards the Jenin Government Hospital.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas declared three days of mourning following the raid.
Spokesman for the Palestinian President, Nabil Abu Rudeinah said the Israeli forces were committing “massacres” under “international silence”.
“[International silence] is what encourages the occupation government to commit massacres against our people in full view of the world.” Mr Abu Rudeinah said.
A statement released by Palestinian leaders said security coordination with Israel “no longer exists as of now”.
On Friday, Gaza militants fired rockets into Israel, of which Israel responded with airstrikes.
Five rockets were fired at Israel, three of which were intercepted, one fell in an open area, and another fell inside Gaza.
Israel then launched airstrikes into Palestine, where it was said underground Hamas rocket manufacturing sites and training areas for militants were targeted.
There have currently been no reports of casualties from the rockets and airstrikes on either side of the fight.
Deputy leader of Hamas, the Islamic militant group occupying Gaza, Saleh al-Aroui has declared that Israel will “pay the price for Jenin’s massacre”.
“Our resistance will not break, and our response will come soon.” He said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli forces “to prepare for all scenarios in the various sectors”.
