Three Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raids in West Bank Amid Escalating Violence

Fri Jul 07 2023
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RAMALLAH: Three Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank on Friday as violence continues to escalate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The deaths occurred a day after the United Nations called for a “meaningful political process” to address the renewed violence in the region.

Israeli forces carried out a raid in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinian fighters, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials. The Palestinian health ministry reported two martyrs and three injured as a result of the Israeli aggression. The Israeli army stated that its forces entered Nablus to arrest individuals wanted for a previous shooting incident targeting Israeli police, which caused no casualties.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the deceased as Khairi Shaheen, 34, and Hamza Maqbul, 32, while the Israeli army claimed they were killed in an exchange of fire. Witnesses reported that Israeli troops surrounded a house in the Old City of Nablus, a stronghold of Palestinian groups, and called on those inside to surrender.

Clashes Between Israeli Settlers and Palestinians

In a separate incident, a 24-year-old Palestinian, Abdel Jawad Hamdan Saleh, was killed during a demonstration against settlements in the village of Umm Safa north of Ramallah. The village has experienced frequent clashes between residents and Israeli settlers.

The recent deaths come amid a surge in violence in the region. On Thursday, an Israeli soldier was shot dead near Nablus, with Hamas claiming responsibility. Israel launched a large-scale operation in the West Bank earlier this week, resulting in the death of 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier.

The United Nations and Arab countries have condemned the recent violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the escalation and emphasized the importance of a meaningful political process and a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pledged $30 million to help rebuild the Palestinian city of Jenin, which was heavily impacted by Israeli attacks.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict this year has claimed the lives of at least 193 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian, and one Italian, according to official sources from both sides. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing tensions and clashes threatening to further deepen the cycle of violence and bloodshed.

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