IDF tells Palestinians in Jenin hospital to stay inside as it clears suspected bombs

The IDF says it instructed Palestinians at a hospital in the West Bank city of Jenin to remain inside the medical center for several hours as troops cleared suspected improvised explosive devices planted in the area by terror operatives.

“Following concerns of IEDs on roads near the Jenin hospital, security forces operated in the area overnight to neutralize the IEDs,” the military says in response to a query.

“As a result, those staying at the hospital were asked to remain inside it to maintain their safety. After the forces’ activity in the area, exit from the hospital was made possible through organized and safe routes,” the IDF says.

The IDF says troops did not enter the hospital and are not surrounding other medical centers in Jenin.

The military has been operating in Jenin since yesterday, in a major raid dubbed Operation Iron Wall. The Palestinian Authority health ministry has reported nine dead in Jenin and another fatality in a nearby village.