Israel-Hamas conflict: 14 killed in Israel's operation on refugee camp in West Bank
Israel-Hamas conflict: Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, at least 14 people have been killed during the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) operation at the Nur al-Shams refugee camp in the West Bank, citing the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported discovering bodies and injured individuals within the camp, as the IDF began withdrawing partially from the area. Video footage recorded by residents depicts a bulldozer demolishing a building while IDF vehicles depart the camp after conducting a 24-hour raid. Ambulances are seen entering the camp following the IDF withdrawal.
Residents state that Israeli forces have left the immediate vicinity but maintain a presence in the nearby city of Tulkarm. Earlier, the IDF announced that its forces had killed 10 'terrorists' and apprehended eight wanted suspects during the operation initiated on Thursday.
According to the Palestinian health ministry and news agency Wafa, at least one child and one teenager were among the casualties. Reports indicate that the IDF has detained young individuals in large numbers and caused destruction to essential infrastructure.
In separate incidents, the Palestinian Ministry of Health condemned attacks on emergency medical crews in the West Bank. An ambulance driver, identified as Mohammed Awad Allah Mohammed Musa (50), employed by the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), was fatally shot by Israeli settlers while attempting to transport injured Palestinians. Another ambulance crew was detained and interrogated by the IDF outside a hospital in the West Bank.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health urgently appealed to international health organizations, human rights institutions, and the International Committee of the Red Cross to intervene and curb escalating actions by the occupation and settlers against treatment centers and medical personnel.
Describing the targeting of medics, ambulances, and medical staff as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, the ministry emphasized the urgency of allowing these entities to fulfill their humanitarian duties.
The Israeli military confirmed several Palestinian gunmen were killed, and four soldiers sustained injuries during a counter-terrorism operation in the Nur Shams refugee camp, near Tulkarem, media sources reported. The IDF stated that troops and Border Police officers conducted the operation, resulting in the detention of wanted Palestinians, the discovery of explosive devices, and clashes that led to the deaths of several gunmen.
- With inputs from agencies
