AQABAT JABR: Israeli forces killed five Palestinians linked to Hamas group in raid on refugee camp in occupied West Bank, latest bloodshed in region that will likely further exacerbate tensions.

Palestinian President’s office called violence a crime, urging United States to pressure Israel to hold back on its incursions. Military said the raid was meant to apprehend militant cell that staged botched shooting attack on restaurant in Jewish settlement in West Banks. Violence extends one of deadliest periods in years in West Bank and comes during first weeks of Israel’s new government, its most right-wing ever, which has promised to take tough stance against Palestinians.

Israeli military said it was operating in Aqabat Jabr refugee camp to apprehend suspects behind failed shooting attack last month at West Bank restaurant, where attackers allegedly were thwarted by weapon malfunction. Attackers then fled scene, military said.

Jihad Abu al-Assal, Governor of Jericho and Jordan Valley said military was still holding on to gunmen’s bodies. Without access to bodies, Palestinian Health Ministry did not immediately confirm deaths, saying only that three were injured, one of them critically. Hamas said all five of those killed were members of its armed wing. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said violence would be met with response. “Our people and their resistance will not delay in responding to this crime,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 06 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.