Two Palestinian nationals have lost their lives in an Israeli military raid on the Nur Sham refugee camp near the city of Tulkarm in the northern occupied West Bank, as reported by emergency workers and Hamas. The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the two individuals as Asid Abu Ali, 22, and Abdulrahman Abu Daghash, 32. The raid caused significant damage to the camp’s infrastructure as well.

In the statement, the Israeli military called it a “counterterrorism activity,” dismantling an operational command center and uncovering dozens of explosive devices and bomb-making components. “Suspects opened fire and threw explosive devices at the troops, who replied with live fire,” stated the statement from Tel Aviv. Hits were identified.

The Israeli forces have been carrying out similar military raids for the past 18 months, primarily in the north of the West Bank. Going by the official statements, it is to root out Palestinian resistance fighters and thwart future attacks.

Back in July, Israel launched one of its biggest attacks, killing at least 12 Palestinians in the Jenin camp and leaving 100 others injured, in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations recognized 2023 as the deadliest year for the Palestinian population.

Conflict between the two countries has existed since the emergence of Israel as a separate and only Jewish nation after World War II in 1948. The dispute is over land claims between the two communities, with the Palestinian population seeking self-determination.

-Anushka Upadhyay