Palestinian reported killed in clash with Israeli troops near Jericho
Military says dozens hurl stones, Molotov cocktails at forces in Aqabat Jabr refugee camp; 11 arrested overnight in raids across West Bank
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
A Palestinian man was killed in overnight clashes with Israeli forces near the West Bank city of Jericho, Palestinian officials said.
According to the Palestinian Authority’s health ministry, 20-year-old Ahmed Ibrahim Owaidat was critically hurt by Israeli gunfire in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp, southwest of Jericho, at dawn. He died several hours later at a hospital, the ministry said.
A military spokesperson told The Times of Israel that during an arrest operation in the camp, clashes erupted, “with dozens of Palestinians who threw stones, set fire to tires and threw Molotov cocktails at the forces.”
“The force responded with riot dispersal means and live fire,” the spokesperson said, without directly confirming the dead man was a participant.
In a separate statement, the IDF said 11 Palestinians suspected of involvement in terror activities were detained across the West Bank.
No soldiers were hurt in the operations, the military said.
وزارة الصحة: إستشهاد المواطن أحمد إبراهيم عويدات ٢٠ عاماً، متأثراً بجروح حرجة أصيب بها برصاص الإحتلال الحي في رأسه، فجر اليوم في مخيم عقبة جبر. pic.twitter.com/xde4IeVGYJ
— Newpress | نيو برس (@NewpressPs) April 26, 2022
Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians have risen sharply in recent months against the backdrop of repeated terror attacks in Israeli cities that left 14 dead.
Some have been carried out by assailants linked to or inspired by the Islamic State group.
Over the same period, 25 Palestinians have been killed across the West Bank, many of whom were carrying out or attempting to carry out attacks, as Israel has stepped up operations in response to the terror incidents.
Tensions have further spiraled in recent days following violent clashes between Palestinian rioters and police on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, leading to the injury of dozens of Palestinians and several police officers.
There has also been rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, including three rockets fired Friday and Saturday.
Hamas and other Gaza-based terror groups have repeatedly invoked the flashpoint Temple Mount holy site as a red line. Police actions to quell riots there last year were among the triggers of an 11-day war in Gaza last May.
