Israeli Forces Disguised as Women and Medics Storm West Bank Hospital, Killing 3 Militants
JENIN, West Bank (AP) —
Israeli forces, posing undercover as civilian women and medics, launched a dramatic raid on a hospital in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, killing three Palestinian militants. This incident highlights the spreading of deadly violence into the territory from the ongoing war in Gaza, according to AP News.
The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that Israeli forces opened fire inside the Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank town of Jenin, and a hospital spokesperson stated that there was no exchange of fire, indicating that it was a targeted killing. Israel’s military accused the militants of using the hospital as a hideout, claiming that one of the targeted individuals had provided weapons and ammunition for a planned attack inspired by Hamas’ recent assault on southern Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu Rejects Hamas’ Key Demands
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at an event in the West Bank, denied reports of a possible cease-fire deal to end the war in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will not withdraw its military or release thousands of jailed militants, the key demands of Hamas for a cease-fire. Netanyahu, who is under pressure to reach a deal from the families of the hostages and the wider public, stated that Israeli forces will continue fighting until achieving “absolute victory” over Hamas.
Hospitals as Battlegrounds
Israel has faced substantial criticism for its continued raids on hospitals in Gaza, which have been providing crucial medical treatment and shelter for displaced Palestinians. Gaza’s healthcare system, already weak before the war, is on the verge of collapse due to the overwhelming number of patients and the lack of fuel and medical supplies caused by Israeli restrictions and the ongoing conflict.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that Israeli forces also raided the Al-Amal Hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where approximately 7,000 displaced people were taking shelter. Israeli tanks fired live ammunition and smoke grenades at the people inside, and everyone was ordered to evacuate.
Surge of Violence in the West Bank
Violence in the West Bank has seen a significant increase since the beginning of the war, with Israel escalating efforts to crack down on suspected militants. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 380 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of them during arrest raids or violent protests. In the hospital raid in Jenin, forces killed three militants, one of whom was planning an imminent attack, according to the Israeli military.
West Bank Crackdown and the Situation in Gaza
Various Palestinian factions such as Hamas and the Islamic Jihad militant group have condemned these killings. Hamas calls for a “full withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza as a priority and demands a long-term cease-fire as part of any agreement. Talks have been held in Cairo, with the group expected to demand the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining hostages.
The war in Gaza has resulted in over 26,700 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The conflict has displaced 85% of Gaza’s population and pushed a quarter of residents to the brink of starvation.
The West Bank and Israeli Control of Territories
The West Bank has become a frequent target of Israeli raids, as it has a long history of armed struggle against Israel. Israel captured the West Bank during the 1967 Mideast war and now maintains an open-ended occupation. The Palestinians lay claim to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem as part of their future independent state, although the prospects for a peaceful resolution have faded due to the ongoing war.
Follow AP’s ongoing coverage of the Israel-Hamas war here.
