In Pics | Israel undertakes biggest West Bank operation in decades

Under attack: Thousands of Palestinians flee Jenin refugee camp after major Israeli raid

<p>In recent days, the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-controlled West Bank has witnessed a major military operation by the Israeli army, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and the death of at least ten.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 1,000 Israeli troops appear to have taken part in the ‘anti-terror campaign,’ making it the largest drive in the West Bank in the past 20 years.</p>

<p>Throughout the operation on Monday, IDF troops searched for weapon storage sites, explosives labs, and other “terror infrastructure”; clashed with armed Palestinians; and carried out airstrikes against various targets in the refugee camp, the IDF said in a statement.</p>

<p>The Israeli armed forces launched the attack on Monday, arguing that the Jenin camp had become a hotbed of terrorism, which has claimed the lives of several Israeli citizens over the past 18 months. According to a report by the Guardian, hundreds of fighters from militant groups including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah are believed to be operating from the camp.</p>

<p>Media reports estimate the number of refugees living in the camp to be 18,000. And due to the ongoing violence, at least 3,000 people have already fled the site. “There are about 3,000 people who have left the camp so far,” Jenin deputy governor Kamal Abu al-Roub was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency. The deputy governor added that arrangements were being made to provide shelter to the displaced people in schools and other sites in Jenin City.</p>

<h2><strong>Background on the Jenin refugee camp</strong></h2>

<p>The Jenin refugee camp was established in the 1950s and has long been regarded as a hotbed of Palestinian resistance by its residents. Over the years, it has become a stronghold for various militant groups, which Israel sees as terrorists. The camp's semi-autonomous status and limited presence of the Palestinian Authority have allowed these armed factions to operate within its confines.</p>
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<p>The Israeli army says that recent strikes are aimed at ridding the camp of these elements, posing a major security threat for Israeli citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Israeli military operation</strong></h2>

<p>Israel launched an intense military operation in the occupied West Bank, specifically targeting the Jenin refugee camp. The operation involved drone strikes and the deployment of hundreds of troops with an open-ended mission to counter the militant presence in the camp. The Palestinian health ministry reported at least 10 people killed and 100 injured, with the numbers expected to rise.</p>

<p>IDF said that more than 300 explosive devices were seized and demolished by troops during the operation. In total, some 20 drone strikes were carried out across the city.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Israel attacking Jenin camp now?</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the campaign by citing the escalating terrorism emanating from Jenin. He claimed that the operation aimed to dismantle militant command centres, confiscate weapons, and destroy weapons factories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel justified its actions as a necessary measure to ensure the security of its citizens and put an end to the safe haven for terrorism that Jenin had allegedly become.</p>

<p>To put things into perspective, IDF says some 50 shooting attacks were carried out by the residents of the area targeting innocent Israeli citizens since the last year. Later on, the attackers would seek refuge in the camp to escape IDF’s retaliation.</p>

<h2><strong>International condemnation of the Israeli campaign</strong></h2>

<p>The Palestinian leadership in the West Bank held an emergency meeting in response to the Israeli operation. They decided to halt their already limited contacts with Israel, freeze security coordination, and increase their efforts in international bodies, including the United Nations, against Israel's actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel launches 'biggest raid' in West Bank city</strong></p>

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<p>Three Arab countries with normalised ties with Israel, namely Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also condemned the ‘anti-terror’ drive.</p>

<h2><strong>Humanitarian crisis on the horizon</strong></h2>

<p>As a result of the Israeli operation, thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee the Jenin refugee camp. The Palestinian Red Crescent and the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) reported that residents were leaving the camp, with UNRWA emphasising the urgent need for food, drinking water, and other essential supplies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israeli-forces-target-nest-of-terrorists-in-jenin-9-palestinians-dead-611584"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israeli forces intensify `largest` operation in West Bank in years, 9 Palestinians killed so far</strong></a></p>

<p>The recent events in Jenin are part of an ongoing cycle of violence and unrest in the West Bank. The area has witnessed an increase in attacks over the past year, resulting in a rising death toll.</p>

<p>This year so far, a total of 133 Palestinians living in the West Bank have lost their lives to the ongoing violence. The current incursion into the Jenin refugee camp marks the first major operation since the 2002 battle of Jenin during the second intifada.</p>

<h2><strong>UN expresses concern</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations Middle East envoy expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence in the West Bank, highlighting the dangers associated with the situation. International humanitarian law was brought into question due to Israeli drone attacks on residential areas.</p>

<p>Such attacks, involving heavily populated areas, are seen as violations of international standards. However, IDF says that terrorists in Jenin camp have stored their weapons in a mosque and usually carry out attacks from a base near the UN building.</p>

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In recent days, the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-controlled West Bank has witnessed a major military operation by the Israeli army, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and the death of at least ten.

In recent days, the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-controlled West Bank has witnessed a major military operation by the Israeli army, resulting in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and the death of at least ten. Over 1,000 Israeli troops appear to have taken part in the ‘anti-terror campaign,’ making it the largest drive in the West Bank in the past 20 years. Throughout the operation on Monday, IDF troops searched for weapon storage sites, explosives labs, and other “terror infrastructure”; clashed with armed Palestinians; and carried out airstrikes against various targets in the refugee camp, the IDF said in a statement. The Israeli armed forces launched the attack on Monday, arguing that the Jenin camp had become a hotbed of terrorism, which has claimed the lives of several Israeli citizens over the past 18 months. According to a report by the Guardian, hundreds of fighters from militant groups including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah are believed to be operating from the camp. Media reports estimate the number of refugees living in the camp to be 18,000. And due to the ongoing violence, at least 3,000 people have already fled the site. “There are about 3,000 people who have left the camp so far,” Jenin deputy governor Kamal Abu al-Roub was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency. The deputy governor added that arrangements were being made to provide shelter to the displaced people in schools and other sites in Jenin City. Background on the Jenin refugee camp The Jenin refugee camp was established in the 1950s and has long been regarded as a hotbed of Palestinian resistance by its residents. Over the years, it has become a stronghold for various militant groups, which Israel sees as terrorists. The camp's semi-autonomous status and limited presence of the Palestinian Authority have allowed these armed factions to operate within its confines. The Israeli army says that recent strikes are aimed at ridding the camp of these elements, posing a major security threat for Israeli citizens. The Israeli military operation Israel launched an intense military operation in the occupied West Bank, specifically targeting the Jenin refugee camp. The operation involved drone strikes and the deployment of hundreds of troops with an open-ended mission to counter the militant presence in the camp. The Palestinian health ministry reported at least 10 people killed and 100 injured, with the numbers expected to rise. IDF said that more than 300 explosive devices were seized and demolished by troops during the operation. In total, some 20 drone strikes were carried out across the city. Why is Israel attacking Jenin camp now? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the campaign by citing the escalating terrorism emanating from Jenin. He claimed that the operation aimed to dismantle militant command centres, confiscate weapons, and destroy weapons factories. Israel justified its actions as a necessary measure to ensure the security of its citizens and put an end to the safe haven for terrorism that Jenin had allegedly become. To put things into perspective, IDF says some 50 shooting attacks were carried out by the residents of the area targeting innocent Israeli citizens since the last year. Later on, the attackers would seek refuge in the camp to escape IDF’s retaliation. International condemnation of the Israeli campaign The Palestinian leadership in the West Bank held an emergency meeting in response to the Israeli operation. They decided to halt their already limited contacts with Israel, freeze security coordination, and increase their efforts in international bodies, including the United Nations, against Israel's actions. Watch: Israel launches 'biggest raid' in West Bank city × Three Arab countries with normalised ties with Israel, namely Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also condemned the ‘anti-terror’ drive. Humanitarian crisis on the horizon As a result of the Israeli operation, thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee the Jenin refugee camp. The Palestinian Red Crescent and the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) reported that residents were leaving the camp, with UNRWA emphasising the urgent need for food, drinking water, and other essential supplies. Also read: Israeli forces intensify `largest` operation in West Bank in years, 9 Palestinians killed so far The recent events in Jenin are part of an ongoing cycle of violence and unrest in the West Bank. The area has witnessed an increase in attacks over the past year, resulting in a rising death toll. This year so far, a total of 133 Palestinians living in the West Bank have lost their lives to the ongoing violence. The current incursion into the Jenin refugee camp marks the first major operation since the 2002 battle of Jenin during the second intifada. UN expresses concern The United Nations Middle East envoy expressed grave concern over the escalation of violence in the West Bank, highlighting the dangers associated with the situation. International humanitarian law was brought into question due to Israeli drone attacks on residential areas. Such attacks, involving heavily populated areas, are seen as violations of international standards. However, IDF says that terrorists in Jenin camp have stored their weapons in a mosque and usually carry out attacks from a base near the UN building. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank?

<p>Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people.</p>

<p>Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports.</p>

<h2><strong>Multiple drone strikes leave Palestinians dead and injured</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least three Palestinians have been killed, and over 20 others have sustained injuries during the ongoing raid.</p>

<p>The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that its objective is to target "terrorist infrastructure in the Jenin area." It emphasised its determination to combat terrorists who exploit the Jenin Camp as a hiding place, labelling it a "terrorist stronghold."</p>

<p>According to Lt Col&nbsp;Richard Hecht, an army spokesperson who spoke to the Associated Press,&nbsp;the military operation commenced shortly after 1 am&nbsp;with an airstrike targeting a building that militants were utilising for planning attacks. The primary objective of the operation, as stated by Hecht, was to eliminate and seize weapons.</p>

<p>"We're not planning to hold ground.&nbsp;We're acting against specific targets," he said.</p>

<p>The Jenin Battalion, a military coalition comprising armed members from Palestinian groups Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad, declared its resolute opposition to the occupation forces. It pledged to unite across factions and military formations, vowing to confront the Israeli army until its last breath and bullet.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Why is Israel buying F-35 fighter jets?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Within the camp's alleys, numerous armed and masked Palestinians have been deployed. Local resident Ahmed Zaki reported that "columns of Israeli army vehicles penetrated the outskirts of the camp from several streets." Ambulance driver Khaled Alahmad described the situation as a "real war," with frequent airstrikes targeting the camp. He shared that ambulances are continuously shuttling injured individuals, returning full each time.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-parliament-disallowed-woman-member-holding-baby-from-speaking-609749">Israel parliament prevents woman member holding baby from speaking</a></p>

<p>Last month, the Israeli military conducted a raid on the Jenin camp, resulting in the deaths of at least six Palestinians. It marked a rare occurrence of attack helicopters being deployed in the West Bank. During that operation, seven Israeli soldiers and border police officers sustained injuries.</p>

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Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people.

Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports. Multiple drone strikes leave Palestinians dead and injured According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least three Palestinians have been killed, and over 20 others have sustained injuries during the ongoing raid. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that its objective is to target "terrorist infrastructure in the Jenin area." It emphasised its determination to combat terrorists who exploit the Jenin Camp as a hiding place, labelling it a "terrorist stronghold." According to Lt Col Richard Hecht, an army spokesperson who spoke to the Associated Press, the military operation commenced shortly after 1 am with an airstrike targeting a building that militants were utilising for planning attacks. The primary objective of the operation, as stated by Hecht, was to eliminate and seize weapons. "We're not planning to hold ground. We're acting against specific targets," he said. The Jenin Battalion, a military coalition comprising armed members from Palestinian groups Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad, declared its resolute opposition to the occupation forces. It pledged to unite across factions and military formations, vowing to confront the Israeli army until its last breath and bullet. Also watch | Why is Israel buying F-35 fighter jets? Within the camp's alleys, numerous armed and masked Palestinians have been deployed. Local resident Ahmed Zaki reported that "columns of Israeli army vehicles penetrated the outskirts of the camp from several streets." Ambulance driver Khaled Alahmad described the situation as a "real war," with frequent airstrikes targeting the camp. He shared that ambulances are continuously shuttling injured individuals, returning full each time. Also read | Israel parliament prevents woman member holding baby from speaking Last month, the Israeli military conducted a raid on the Jenin camp, resulting in the deaths of at least six Palestinians. It marked a rare occurrence of attack helicopters being deployed in the West Bank. During that operation, seven Israeli soldiers and border police officers sustained injuries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation

<p>According to officials in Israel, gunmen killed a Jewish settler in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday (May 30)&nbsp;while he was driving. The incident also comes a day after Israeli forces killed a Palestinian security officer amid clashes in the West Bank’s city of Jenin, said the Palestinian Fatah faction, the day prior.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian armed group linked to President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction later claimed responsibility for the shooting on Tuesday and vowed more attacks. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Ministry said that the search for the gunmen is underway.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli settler shot on Tuesday&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli settler was a resident of Hermes&nbsp;settlement,&nbsp;said settlement leader Yossi Dagan, in a statement, which is around six kilometres away from the West Bank, adding that the person was shot in his car when he was driving nearby.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-bank-al-quds-fire-artillery-at-idf-soldiers-597948">West Bank: Al Quds fire artillery at IDF soldiers</a></strong></p>

<p>The Israeli emergency service spokesperson had previously said that&nbsp;they are treating a&nbsp;civilian who is approximately 30 years old&nbsp;and&nbsp;in “serious condition”. The victim was later identified as a 32-year-old man named Meir Tamari who succumbed to his injuries, as per Israeli media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian armed group, Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades later issued a statement, claiming responsibility for the attack and vowed to conduct more such “operations” and said it carried out the attack to avenge Palestinians killed by Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-jets-hit-targets-in-gaza-israeli-residents-asked-to-shelter-over-fears-of-retaliation-590458">Twelve people, including top militants killed after Israeli jets hit targets in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>“This, and other operations to come, will not be the final response to assuage our pain at the passing of our martyrs. Our pain is greater, and so is our revenge,” said the Palestinian group, in a statement, as quoted by Reuters. This comes as Israel has been conducting near-daily military raids in the West Bank in response to an increase in Palestinian attacks.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Jenin on Monday?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Fatah faction, on Monday, said that a Palestinian security officer, later identified as Ashraf Sheikh Ibrahim, was killed in the West Bank flashpoint city of Jenin. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that it came under heavy fire from gunmen while trying to arrest suspected militants in Jenin and retaliated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades has claimed that the victim was a member. The clashes on Monday took place as&nbsp;Jewish settlers inaugurated a religious school in a dismantled settler outpost in the northern West Bank. The move has since drawn condemnation from Palestinians, while the United States raised concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-israelis-shot-dead-by-palestinian-gunman-in-west-bank-in-suspected-terror-attack-566121">Two Israelis shot dead in West Bank in 'Palestinian terror attack', says government</a></strong></p>

<p>A US State Department spokesperson said Washington was “deeply troubled” by the Israeli government’s recent order, which has lifted a ban on settlements in several areas evacuated as part of Israel’s 2005&nbsp;withdrawal act&nbsp;from the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The expansion of settlements undermines the geographic viability of a two-state solution, exacerbates tensions, and further harms trust between the parties,” said the US official&nbsp;and&nbsp;called&nbsp;the move inconsistent with Israel’s commitments, as per Reuters. This comes amid a rise in violence and tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over the past year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-says-it-intercepted-rocket-fire-from-lebanon-retaliates-with-strikes-579842">Lebanon fires barrage of rockets after clashes at al-Aqsa mosque; five hit Israeli targets</a></strong></p>

<p>Since the beginning of this year, nearly 120 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem with half of them belonging to armed militant groups, as per a tally by the Associated Press. However, the Israeli military has said that the number of Palestinian militants killed is much higher. Meanwhile, at least 22 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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According to officials in Israel, gunmen killed a Jewish settler in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday (May 30) while he was driving. The incident also comes a day after Israeli forces killed a Palestinian security officer amid clashes in the West Bank’s city of Jenin, said the Palestinian Fatah faction, the day prior.

According to officials in Israel, gunmen killed a Jewish settler in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday (May 30) while he was driving. The incident also comes a day after Israeli forces killed a Palestinian security officer amid clashes in the West Bank’s city of Jenin, said the Palestinian Fatah faction, the day prior. The Palestinian armed group linked to President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction later claimed responsibility for the shooting on Tuesday and vowed more attacks. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Ministry said that the search for the gunmen is underway. Israeli settler shot on Tuesday The Israeli settler was a resident of Hermes settlement, said settlement leader Yossi Dagan, in a statement, which is around six kilometres away from the West Bank, adding that the person was shot in his car when he was driving nearby. ALSO WATCH | West Bank: Al Quds fire artillery at IDF soldiers The Israeli emergency service spokesperson had previously said that they are treating a civilian who is approximately 30 years old and in “serious condition”. The victim was later identified as a 32-year-old man named Meir Tamari who succumbed to his injuries, as per Israeli media reports. The Palestinian armed group, Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades later issued a statement, claiming responsibility for the attack and vowed to conduct more such “operations” and said it carried out the attack to avenge Palestinians killed by Israel. ALSO READ | Twelve people, including top militants killed after Israeli jets hit targets in Gaza “This, and other operations to come, will not be the final response to assuage our pain at the passing of our martyrs. Our pain is greater, and so is our revenge,” said the Palestinian group, in a statement, as quoted by Reuters. This comes as Israel has been conducting near-daily military raids in the West Bank in response to an increase in Palestinian attacks. What happened in Jenin on Monday? The Fatah faction, on Monday, said that a Palestinian security officer, later identified as Ashraf Sheikh Ibrahim, was killed in the West Bank flashpoint city of Jenin. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that it came under heavy fire from gunmen while trying to arrest suspected militants in Jenin and retaliated. The Fatah-linked Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades has claimed that the victim was a member. The clashes on Monday took place as Jewish settlers inaugurated a religious school in a dismantled settler outpost in the northern West Bank. The move has since drawn condemnation from Palestinians, while the United States raised concerns. ALSO READ | Two Israelis shot dead in West Bank in 'Palestinian terror attack', says government A US State Department spokesperson said Washington was “deeply troubled” by the Israeli government’s recent order, which has lifted a ban on settlements in several areas evacuated as part of Israel’s 2005 withdrawal act from the Gaza Strip. “The expansion of settlements undermines the geographic viability of a two-state solution, exacerbates tensions, and further harms trust between the parties,” said the US official and called the move inconsistent with Israel’s commitments, as per Reuters. This comes amid a rise in violence and tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over the past year. ALSO READ | Lebanon fires barrage of rockets after clashes at al-Aqsa mosque; five hit Israeli targets Since the beginning of this year, nearly 120 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem with half of them belonging to armed militant groups, as per a tally by the Associated Press. However, the Israeli military has said that the number of Palestinian militants killed is much higher. Meanwhile, at least 22 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Palestinians. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli settler killed by Palestinian gunmen in West Bank, a day after clashes in Jenin

<p>There was exchange of fire from Israel&nbsp;and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of&nbsp;further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday.&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;later said that it had "targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site" belonging to the Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group.</p>

<p>The strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday had led to the death of nine people during the raid on the crowded Jenin refugee camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP quoted security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza as saying that there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites, with no injuries reported.</p>

<p>The Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/nine-killed-20-injured-amid-israeli-troops-west-bank-raid-say-palestinians-556313">Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians</a></p>

<p>The overnight rocket strikes triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border with Gaza, warning residents to take shelter. There were no reports of injuries.</p>

<p>Following retaliatory strikes by Israel, hours later&nbsp;three more rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, the army said. Another round of air-raid sirens were then sounded in southern Israel.</p>

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<p>The army said that most of the Gaza rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, adding that one landed in an open area and another fell inside Gaza. Footage of Israeli interceptor missiles being launched into the night sky above the city of Ashkelon was aired by an Israeli TV channel.</p>

<p>No group has claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. Earlier, after the attack in Jenin killed nine Palestinians, Hamas and Islamic Jihad had vowed to respond to it.</p>

<p>The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ending its security coordination with Israel. The arrangement was credited with helping to keep order in the West Bank and preventing attacks against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not looking to escalate the matter, though he ordered security forces to be on alert.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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There was exchange of fire from Israel and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday.

There was exchange of fire from Israel and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday. Israel later said that it had "targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site" belonging to the Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group. The strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday had led to the death of nine people during the raid on the crowded Jenin refugee camp. AFP quoted security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza as saying that there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites, with no injuries reported. The Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight. Also Read | Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians The overnight rocket strikes triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border with Gaza, warning residents to take shelter. There were no reports of injuries. Following retaliatory strikes by Israel, hours later three more rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, the army said. Another round of air-raid sirens were then sounded in southern Israel. × The army said that most of the Gaza rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, adding that one landed in an open area and another fell inside Gaza. Footage of Israeli interceptor missiles being launched into the night sky above the city of Ashkelon was aired by an Israeli TV channel. No group has claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. Earlier, after the attack in Jenin killed nine Palestinians, Hamas and Islamic Jihad had vowed to respond to it. The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ending its security coordination with Israel. The arrangement was credited with helping to keep order in the West Bank and preventing attacks against Israel. Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not looking to escalate the matter, though he ordered security forces to be on alert. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets

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jenin attacks

In Pics | Israel undertakes biggest West Bank operation in decades

Under attack: Thousands of Palestinians flee Jenin refugee camp after major Israeli raid

Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank?

Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation

Israeli settler killed by Palestinian gunmen in West Bank, a day after clashes in Jenin

Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets