Israeli attack on West Bank refugee camp leaves six dead, Palestinians say

Six Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli attack on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Authority Health Ministry said. said Wednesday. They were the latest victims of a wave of violence in the area since the war in Gaza began on October 7.

The Israeli army said its forces carried out “counter-terrorism activities” overnight in the Nur Shams refugee camp. The military said its planes “struck terrorists hurling explosives at the armed forces.” It was not possible to independently verify the military’s account.

Israeli forces have carried out almost daily raids on the occupied West Bank since Hamas launched its terrorist attack from Gaza on October 7, killing around 1,200 people in Israel. In response, Israeli authorities have severely restricted freedom of movement within the West Bank and revoked work permits for Palestinian residents of the area who have jobs in Israel.

Israel has described its incursions into the West Bank as an extension of the war against Hamas in Gaza, saying parts of the West Bank have been strongholds for terrorist activity. The operations have also led to an increase in arrests, with many of the detainees being held without charge or trial.

Since October 7, more than 280 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, mainly by Israeli forces, but also in clashes with armed Israeli settlers, which Palestinians say have become increasingly brutal and violent since the Hamas attacks.