Israeli Forces Kill Nine Palestinians in West Bank Clashes, Adding to Mounting Death Toll

Israeli troops have killed nine Palestinians in multiple clashes across the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. These deaths add to the already mounting death toll in the territory, as the war rages on in Gaza. Ministry figures state that at least 75 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since the conflict erupted on October 7.

The latest deaths occurred during an Israeli attack on Nur Shams refugee camp in the northern West Bank. The health officials have identified one of those killed as a 16-year-old boy. The ministry has also stated that it has been informed of other casualties who were unable to be transferred to the hospital by ambulance. According to the Israeli military, they carried out an air strike in Nur Shams that killed several terrorists. The army statement also mentioned that exchanges of fire with armed gunmen, including the throwing of explosive devices at Israeli security forces, took place.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that its medics treated 25 people in Nur Shams, with the majority of them suffering from gunshot wounds. They have also accused the occupying forces of detaining ambulances with injured people inside. Separate clashes earlier on Thursday resulted in the deaths of a 17-year-old in Dheisheh refugee camp and a 32-year-old in Budrus, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The Israeli military claims that in Budrus, soldiers opened fire in response to people hurling Molotov cocktails, other objects, and setting fire to tires and rubbish bins. Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War in 1967, and its forces frequently carry out incursions into Palestinian towns and cities. Since October 7, the military has conducted widespread arrests, detaining hundreds of individuals, including members of the militant group Hamas.

Palestinians across the West Bank have held rallies in solidarity with the 2.4 million people of Gaza. On October 7, Hamas militants reportedly stormed into Israel from Gaza and killed around 1,400 people, most of whom were civilians, according to Israeli officials. In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 3,700 Palestinians, mainly civilians, have been killed in relentless Israeli bombardments in retaliation for the attacks.