In a series of events on June 3, 2024, Israeli forces carried out operations in the West Bank city of Nablus to thwart terror attacks and apprehend wanted individuals. Two separate incidents resulted in the deaths of two Palestinians and injuries to several others.
The first operation took place near the Balata refugee camp where undercover Border Police officers killed a senior wanted terrorist. The suspect, who was identified as a member of a Palestinian militant group, attempted to escape with a weapon when confronted by the undercover troops. An exchange of fire ensued between the suspect and the officers, resulting in his death.
The second incident occurred near an entrance to Nablus where two soldiers were seriously injured in a car-ramming attack. The soldiers, Staff Sgt. Eliya Hilel from Tel Zion and Staff Sgt. Diego Shvisha Harsaj from Tel Aviv, both 20 years old, died of their wounds later that day.
Since the October 7 onslaught that started the Gaza war in 2023, Israeli forces have arrested over 4,000 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank. Over 510 Palestinians have been killed during this period, with more than half of them being shot during clashes amid arrest raids.
The Palestinian Authority's security forces reportedly detained a suspect in connection to the car-ramming attack that resulted in the deaths of the two soldiers. However, no official confirmation has been given by Israeli authorities regarding this development.
These incidents come as tensions continue to rise between Israelis and Palestinians, with frequent clashes and violence reported across the West Bank.
