Five Palestinians Killed in Ongoing Israeli Raids in West Bank; UN Calls for Urgent De-escalation
In a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict, five more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during a second day of raids in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations is urgently calling for de-escalation as tensions continue to rise.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the five were identified as “terrorists” hiding inside a mosque in Tulkarm, located near the Israeli border. The operation, characterized by Israeli authorities as a major counter-terrorism campaign, began earlier this week and has seen conflicting death toll reports across various cities.
As the situation unfolds, the IDF initially announced the deaths of nine militants, attributing five killings to operations in Jenin and Tulkarm, and four in the al-Faraa refugee camp. However, the Palestinian health ministry has reported a higher toll, stating that 12 individuals have died due to IDF attacks.
UN Secretary General has voiced strong concerns, urging Israeli forces to immediately cease their operation, citing that it fuels an “already explosive situation.” He emphasized the importance of exercising maximum restraint and limited use of lethal force.
The IDF claimed that exchanges of fire in Tulkarm led to the deaths of the five Palestinians. Among those killed was Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, identified as the local leader of the Tulkarem Brigade affiliated with a militant group. The IDF contends that he was involved in planning attacks against Israelis.
In Jenin, military checkpoints have been established outside the local government hospital, halting ambulance movements as security forces intensify operations within the refugee camp, known for its history of violent clashes and armed group activity. News from the camp is sparse, with access blocked and communication networks disrupted.
According to sources inside the refugee camp, the area has been relatively calm but marked by the sound of drones overhead, indicating ongoing surveillance. Israeli media speculate that the current military operation could last several days, marking it as the largest of its kind in the West Bank since the second Palestinian intifada two decades ago.
The Israeli military has confirmed that arrests have been made and weapons seized as part of the operation, although Palestinian witnesses report significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN stated that the operation aims to prevent an increased threat from Iranian proxies that endanger Israeli civilians. Amid rising violence in the West Bank following recent conflicts, European Union foreign policy officials have cautioned that this operation should not escalate into a broader war involving Gaza.
As tensions remain high, discussions within the EU are reportedly underway regarding potential sanctions against certain Israeli ministers, accused of inciting hate and violating international law.
