Israeli authorities conducted an aerial counterterrorism operation in Al-Faraa refugee camp, south of Jenin, killing four armed militants. Palestinian health ministry confirmed at least nine people were killed overnight. Israeli forces surrounded the area, blocking access to hospitals. The Nour Shams camp in Tulkarem was warned to consider evacuating before the raids. Foreign Minister Katz linked the raids to the war in Gaza, calling it a “full-fledged war” that Israel must win. He accused Iran of funding and arming terrorists in the West Bank to set up an eastern front against Israel, similar to Gaza and Lebanon. Israel often blames Iran for violence in the region. The raids occurred amid tensions in the region due to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and hostilities at the northern border with Lebanon following the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Iran had vowed retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh but had not acted. The Israeli Defense Forces were operating intensively in Jenin and Tulkarem to eliminate terrorist infrastructures.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
