Israeli army kills 4 Palestinians in N. West Bank: ministry

RAMALLAH — Four Palestinians were killed in Israeli bombing and gunfire in Jenin and Tubas cities, northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday.

In a brief statement, the ministry said the bodies of two Palestinians arrived at Jenin Governmental Hospital, following a drone attack on a house near the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin.

Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli forces stormed Qabatiya, bulldozing infrastructure and destroying residents’ properties.

Sounds of an exchange of gunfire were heard between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces, the sources said.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army said Tuesday in a press statement that its drone targeted an armed cell near Qabatiya.

In a separate statement on Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said the body of a third Palestinian, killed by Israeli forces, was transferred from the town of Tamoun in Tubas to the hospital.

The ministry said later that it was informed by the Civil Affairs Authority, which coordinates with Israel on civilian matters, of the death of another Palestinian man in Tamoun, whose body was detained by Israeli forces.

Tubas Governor Ahmed al-Asaad told Xinhua that Israeli forces stormed Tamoun and the Wadi al-Far’a area and killed a young man.

Describing the Israeli raid as large-scale, al-Asaad said an Israeli bulldozer continues to destroy infrastructure and citizens’ properties.

So far, the Israeli military has not commented on the attacks in Tubas.

The West Bank has been witnessing an escalation of violence since Oct. 7, 2023, which has led to the killing of more than 760 Palestinians by Israeli gunfire and shelling, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

XINHUA