Israeli soldiers killed two Palestinians on Saturday in a military strike in the West Bank, Palestinian officials said, noting that the clash marked the deadliest year in the occupied territory since 2015.
The attack took place in the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank, the site of repeated clashes between Israeli forces and local residents, known as a stronghold for Palestinian militants.
Palestinian authorities said soldiers entered the camp this Saturday morning and surrounded a house.
In videos circulating on social media, it was possible to hear gunshots.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported the existence of two dead and eleven injured, three of whom were in serious condition.
The Israeli military, for its part, said it had arrested a wanted man and reported gun battles in Jenin, but did not provide further details.
Accused of excessive force
The incident happened a day after two Palestinian teenagers, ages 14 and 17, were murdered by Israelis elsewhere in the occupied West Bank.
Human rights groups accuse Israeli forces of using excessive force in dealing with Palestinians without holding them accountable. The Israeli army guarantees that they will only open fire in life-threatening situations.
Israel is attacking the entire territory, especially the northern West Bank, since a series of deadly attacks on Israel last spring.
Palestinian security forces say the military strikes have undermined their credibility and public support, especially in the absence of any political rapprochement.
The last round of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians ended in 2009.
More than 100 Palestinians have been killed this year.
The violence is also fueled by growing disillusionment and anger among Palestinian youth over close coordination between Israel and the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, who are working together to arrest militants.
Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East War and 500,000 Jewish settlers now live in about 130 settlements and other outposts among nearly 3 million Palestinians.
The Palestinians want that area, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, for their future state.
Source: DN
