Israeli forces shot dead at least five Palestinians and withheld their bodies on Monday morning near the occupied West Bank city of Jericho.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified them as Rafaat Wael Owidat, 21, Malik Awni Lafi, 22, Adham Majdi Owidat, 22, Ibrahim Wael Owidat, 27, Thaer Owidat, 28.
Israeli troops raided the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp near the city at dawn and was met with armed Palestinians, leading to exchanges of fire.
Palestinian medics said three more Palestinians were wounded, one of them in critical condition. No Israelis were hurt.
The incursion followed nearly two weeks of Israeli closures and checkpoints on Jericho’s entrances and exits.
The Israeli army ramped up operations and raids in the city after a report of a shooting at a restaurant frequented by settlers in the city on 28 January. No casualties were reported at the time.
The army said two Palestinians suspected of being behind the restaurant shooting were among those killed on Monday.
On Saturday, an Israeli raid on Aqbat Jabr camp was met with heavy gunfire by Palestinian fighters who appeared to be members of Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.
Jericho, located northeast of Jerusalem, is a West Bank city that rarely witnesses violence. (MEE)