Israeli forces have killed two Palestinians during a raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, medical sources told the Reuters news agency. The raid took place on Tuesday morning and sparked clashes between the Israeli soldiers and Palestinian residents of the camp.
According to the Jericho Hospital’s director, “Two young men were rushed to the hospital with bullets in their chests.” The victims were identified as Mahmoud Majed Mohammad al-Ayedi, 17, and Mohammad Ali Abu Zaid, 23. Al-Ayedi was shot in the head and Abu Zaid was shot in the chest, the director said.
Residents in the area said there were armed confrontations with Israeli forces but it was not known whether the two slain men were involved. The raid lasted for less than an hour, the residents added.
Israel intensifies raids and killings in occupied territories
The killing of the two Palestinians is the latest incident in a series of deadly Israeli raids and attacks on the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Since the beginning of 2023, Israel has killed 50 Palestinians, including 11 children, in the occupied territories.
The violence has escalated since the far-right Israeli government led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was sworn in at the end of last year. Bennett, a former settler leader and staunch opponent of Palestinian statehood, has vowed to continue Israel’s illegal settlement expansion and annexation of Palestinian lands.
Israel has also intensified its demolition of Palestinian homes and structures, especially in areas under threat of forced displacement, such as Masafer Yatta in the Hebron area and Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan in East Jerusalem.
Palestinians resist Israeli aggression and oppression
The Palestinian people have been resisting Israel’s occupation, colonization and apartheid for decades. They have launched several uprisings, or intifadas, against Israel’s brutal policies and practices. They have also pursued diplomatic and legal avenues to seek justice and accountability for Israel’s violations of their rights.
In recent months, Palestinians have staged mass protests and strikes across the occupied territories and inside Israel to denounce Israel’s aggression and oppression. They have also received widespread support and solidarity from people around the world who have called for boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and respects Palestinian rights.
Palestinians have also expressed their frustration and disappointment with the Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs parts of the occupied West Bank under Israeli military control. The PA has been accused of corruption, authoritarianism and collusion with Israel. It has also failed to hold elections for more than 15 years, despite repeated promises to do so.
