Israeli Forces Conduct Deadly Raid in Tulkarem Refugee Camp, Killing 7 Palestinians

On April 19, 2024, Israeli forces carried out a major military operation in the city of Tulkarem and two refugee camps in the northern West Bank, resulting in the deaths of seven Palestinians. The raid, which targeted the leader of the Tulkarem resistance brigade, Mohammed Jaber, involved the destruction of dozens of homes and infrastructure, described as the worst destruction in the West Bank since the Jenin refugee camp during the Second Intifada.

During the 17-hour operation in the Nur Shams refugee camp, a 16-year-old boy, Qais Fathi Nasrallah, was killed by gunshots from Israeli forces. Five more Palestinians were killed inside a home in the camp, with the Israeli army preventing ambulances from reaching the targeted area. Palestinian officials stated that civilians were among the dead, while the Israeli army claimed they killed a "number of terrorists."

The Israeli army's bulldozers caused widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes in Tulkarem and its refugee camps. Clashes erupted between the army and Palestinian gunmen, with explosions from homemade explosive devices. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and the Jerusalem Brigades announced that they were engaging in fights with the army.

Why this matters: The violence comes amid increased tensions in the West Bank, with over 468 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 2022. The Israeli army has escalated raids and arrests in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, parallel to its ongoing war on Gaza, which has resulted in more than 34,000 deaths and injuries, mostly of children and women.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed the death of Qais Fathi Nasrallah, who was shot in the head by Israeli forces. Palestinian government television reported that the army "killed 5 Palestinians inside a house in the Nur Shams camp in Tulkarm city." The Israeli operation also resulted in the arrest of six Palestinian youths and the targeting of a group of journalists covering the event. Four Israeli soldiers were wounded in the raid, which the Israeli authorities described as a counterterrorism measure against Hamas, following attacks in October.

Key Takeaways

• Israeli forces conducted major raid in Tulkarem, West Bank, killing 7 Palestinians.
• Raid targeted Tulkarem resistance brigade leader, destroyed homes, prevented ambulance access.
• 16-year-old boy and 5 more Palestinians killed, clashes with Palestinian gunmen erupted.
• Raid amid increased West Bank tensions, over 468 Palestinians killed since Oct 2022.
• Israeli army escalated West Bank raids, arrests, parallel to ongoing Gaza war.