Israeli forces kill 3 suspected Palestinian gunmen in occupied West Bank
Jerusalem, July 25 (EFE).- Israeli forces shot dead three Palestinian men on Tuesday, who allegedly opened fire on a group of soldiers in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, according to a military spokesperson.
“A vehicle with 3 armed assailants opened fire toward IDF soldiers conducting routine activities in Nablus earlier today (Tuesday),” the Israeli army tweeted. “In response, soldiers opened fire, neutralizing the terrorists.”
The army also shared a picture of three assault rifles, a pistol, and ammunition magazines, claiming that soldiers had confiscated these weapons, cartridges, and military equipment from the scene.
Citing unnamed security sources, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli forces prevented medical staff from approaching the scene and subsequently seized the bodies of the three slain Palestinians, whose identities have not been revealed yet.
The targeted vehicle was also seized by the Israeli soldiers.
Eyewitnesses, as reported by the news agency, said that Israeli forces deliberately targeted surveillance cameras in an apparent attempt to not the CCTV footage record their alleged crimes.
The area was closed off for several hours, preventing journalists and medical staff from entering.
Additionally, the metal gate at the entrance of Jabal Jarzim was closed, preventing citizens from entering or leaving.
This incident follows a series of significant Israeli military raids in the West Bank on Monday, during which at least 13 Palestinians were injured, four of them by gunfire.
The Israeli army stated that they neutralized 10 explosive devices and arrested 17 “suspects” during the operation on Monday.
According to a military spokesperson, Palestinians threw explosives at the troops, prompting the soldiers to respond with gunfire.
The occupied West Bank is currently experiencing its highest level of violence since the Second Intifada (2000-2005).
So far this year, 166 Palestinians, including 28 children, have lost their lives in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The region has witnessed the rise of new Palestinian armed groups, which have been increasingly involved in carrying out attacks and have caused 27 Israeli deaths, mostly settlers. EFE
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