Click to see full-size image. Source: the Israeli Defense Forces.
On February 4, Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians while conducting an operation in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, adjacent to the West Bank city of Jericho.
The target of the operation was reportedly to apprehend suspects involved in a recent shooting attack. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that “during the activity, armed individuals fired at the forces who responded back with live fire,” adding that several suspects were hit.
Israeli troops surrounded buildings where suspects were barricaded, and fired an anti-tank missile at the building in an attempt to force a surrender.
According to the IDF, 18 suspects were detained for questioning in the operation, six of whom were arrested, while the rest were released. Nevertheless, the prime suspects behind the shooting attack were not caught.
While no Israeli troops were hurt, the official Palestinian Authority news agency WAFA said 13 people were wounded, including three seriously.
The IDF operation in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp will cause more tensions in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and possibly provoke the Gaza Strip.
Around ten days ago, Israeli troops killed ten Palestinians, including a woman, during a similar operation in the West Bank’s Jenin refugee camp. Palestinian fighters in Gaza fired rockets at nearby Israeli settlements in response. Seven Israelis were also killed in a revenge shooting attack in Eastern Jerusalem.