The death toll from Monday’s clashes between terrorists and Israeli troops in Jenin rose to six on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources.
Amjad Aref Abu Jaas, 48, succumbed to wounds sustained during the firefight, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
On Monday, a Palestinian man was shot after hurling a firebomb at Israeli forces in Husan, west of Bethlehem, according to Israeli media reports.
According to Palestinian Health Ministry, Muhammad Zakaria al-Za’oul, 20, died of his wounds at a Bethlehem hospital.
The Israel Defense Forces did not confirm the death, saying only that “a hit was detected” when troops returned fire after being attacked with firebombs.
Six wanted terror suspects were arrested during overnight operations throughout Judea and Samaria, according to the IDF. A pistol, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were seized during the raids.
Also on Monday, two Israeli soldiers were lightly injured after being run over near Rachel’s Tomb on the outskirts of Bethlehem, the IDF said.
Troops returned fire at the two terrorists who committed the attack, and “hits were identified.”
One of the soldiers received medical treatment at the scene, while the other was sent to a hospital for further treatment.
The two incidents come after a major confrontation erupted earlier on Monday in Jenin, during which IDF armored vehicles were struck by a roadside bomb.
Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded, four seriously. An IDF dog was also wounded.
The bombing prompted the IDF to call in air support from a helicopter gunship, something not seen in Judea and Samaria since the Second Intifada.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the wounded soldiers at Rambam Hospital in Haifa on Monday.
“We are striking the terrorists with strength and determination. In recent months, we have eliminated and arrested a record number of terrorists, and this was the case during the operation in the Jenin area. Our forces eliminated several terrorists and arrested others. They were fired on from an ambush and acted in an exemplary manner,” said Netanyahu.
“I have just visited the wounded, very impressive people. It must be pointed out that they come from all walks of Israeli society, and this must be seen—a Druze soldier, a soldier of Ethiopian descent and one who emigrated from Ukraine 10 years ago, alongside other soldiers. Simply put, it is moving to see them helping each other, shoulder to shoulder, and how they operated in the field in order to rescue their comrades,” he said.
“This is our determination, our strength and our commitment to fight terrorism everywhere. We will continue to do so. When you meet these soldiers, you understand that the people of Israel and the State of Israel may certainly be proud.
“I would also like to thank the doctors, the medical team, the nurses and the surgeons for the exceptional care they are giving our soldiers. This is part of the strength of Israeli society.”
Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate
Edited by Arnab Nandy
