Reports from the official Palestinian news agency have confirmed that five individuals lost their lives during an offensive conducted by the Israeli military in Nur al-Shams, a refugee camp located in Tulkarm, in the northern region of the occupied West Bank.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation was initiated on Thursday night with the objective of countering terrorism within Nur al-Shams. The IDF reported that they have successfully neutralized several terrorists, apprehended wanted individuals, conducted building searches, and discovered explosives as part of the operation.
This offensive is noted to be one of the most extensive military actions taken in the West Bank since October 7. Video footage obtained from the scene depicted ongoing gunfire on Saturday morning, along with additional Israeli reinforcements heading towards the camp.
According to the official Palestinian news agency, among the casualties were a child and a 16-year-old individual, as confirmed by the Palestinian Health Ministry. Witnesses cited by the news agency alleged that the Israeli military had withheld the bodies of the victims and obstructed ambulance crews from accessing them.
Following the commencement of the offensive on Thursday night, the military reportedly encircled Nur al-Shams by deploying military vehicles across all access points to the camp and sealing off the main street. Reconnaissance aircraft were observed patrolling the area.
The official Palestinian news agency further reported that bulldozers were employed to demolish water and wastewater networks, leading to electricity outages. Additionally, numerous youths were said to have been detained during the operation.
The IDF reiterated that their soldiers had eliminated terrorists, apprehended wanted individuals, discovered explosives, and conducted thorough building searches. Video evidence showed several young men being taken into Israeli military vehicles.
