According to Palestinian sources, eight people were killed during an Israeli military operation in Jenin, in the West Bank. At least 16 other people were injured, the health ministry in Ramallah said today. A woman was among the dead. According to the Red Crescent rescue service, the situation at the scene in the morning was confused.
Military: under fire when trapped
The Israeli military said the forces came under fire as they tried to arrest several members of the Palestinian militant organization Islamic Jihad. Two of the suspects were shot as they tried to flee and another surrendered. They were suspected of planning a terrorist attack.
Palestinian extremist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad have spoken of a fight with the Israeli military. Its members were fighting Israeli soldiers who had entered the Jenin refugee camp, sources said.
At the entrances to the camp’s narrow streets, youths were throwing stones at Israeli army vehicles. Occasional gunfire and explosions were also heard.
fear of climbing
Israeli media reported, citing political circles in Jerusalem, that after the operation one had to be prepared for a possible escalation with Palestinian militant groups. A general strike was called in the West Bank today.