According to Palestinian sources, nine people were killed during an Israeli military operation in Jenin in the West Bank. The Ministry of Health in Ramallah announced on Thursday that several others had been injured. A woman was among the dead. According to the Palestinian rescue service Red Crescent, the situation on the ground was unclear in the morning.
The Israeli military said the forces came under fire when attempting to arrest several members of the Palestinian militant organization Islamic Jihad. Two of the suspects were shot while attempting to escape, and another surrendered. They were therefore suspected of having planned a terrorist attack.
Meanwhile, Israeli media, citing political circles in Jerusalem, reported that after the operation one had to be prepared for a possible escalation with the Palestinians. A general strike was called in the West Bank on Thursday.
The situation in the West Bank has been very tense for a long time. Since a series of attacks last year, the Israeli army has been carrying out more raids there. Deadly confrontations occur again and again. Jenin is considered a stronghold of militant Palestinians. This year, 29 Palestinians have already been killed in connection with military operations or their own attacks, including five young people. Last year there were 172 Palestinians, more than at any time since 2006.
In 1967, Israel conquered the West Bank and East Jerusalem, among others. More than 600,000 Israeli settlers live there today. The Palestinians claim the territories for an independent state of Palestine with the Arab-influenced eastern part of Jerusalem as the capital.
