IDF confirms opening fire on Palestinian gunmen while responding to settler rampage; 5 Israelis detained

IDF troops returned fire on Palestinian gunmen and rioters hurling stones, as Israeli settlers attacked a village in the West Bank this evening, the military says.

According to the IDF, dozens of Israelis entered the Palestinian village of Kafr Malik and set fire to buildings and cars.

“At the scene, friction erupted between Israeli civilians and Palestinians, including mutual stone-throwing,” the IDF says.

Upon receiving reports of the settler attack, the IDF says troops and police officers were dispatched to the area to “disperse the friction.”

During attempts to disperse the violence, an IDF officer was lightly injured after being hit by a stone. The military does not say which side threw the stone.

Shortly after, the IDF says Palestinian gunmen opened fire on the forces from within the village, and others hurled stones at the troops.

The soldiers returned fire “at the source of the gunfire and the stone throwers,” the IDF says, adding that “hits were identified, and it has emerged there are several injured and dead.”

Three Palestinians were shot dead, according to the Palestinian Authority health ministry.

Meanwhile, five Israelis suspected of participating in the attack on the village were detained and handed over to police for further questioning, the military adds.