The United States has expressed concern over situation that led to 9 Palestinians including militants and at least one civilian, were killed and over 20 injured during Israeli Defense Forces counter-terrorism operation against a Palestinian Islamic Jihad cell.
In a statement released by the State Department Spokesman, Ned Price on Thursday, stated further that United States recognize the very real security challenges facing Israel and Palestinian Authority, and condemn terrorist groups planning, carrying out attacks against civilians.
“United States joined Palestinians to mourn the loss of innocent lives as well as injuries to civilians, and are deeply concerned by the cycle of violence in the West Bank”, according to the statement.
“While underscored the urgent need for all parties to de-escalate, prevent further loss of civilian life, and work together to improve the security situation in West Bank. “Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely”, the State Department Spokesman noted.
Meanwhile, it was reported that at least six Palestinian terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire with a Special Force unit of the Israel Defense Forces early Thursday morning.
What began as a routine arrest operation in the Jenin refugee camp, escalated into exchange of hundreds of bullets between the IDF and an armed militant force in Jenin while additionally to the terrorists who were killed, Seven other armed men were injured, three of whom are in serious condition.
According to the reports, “The IDF broke their normal protocols where they comment on a mission after the fact and were reporting on the activity in real-time. When it was over, they quickly issued a statement that claimed: “a significant terror attack in the making was foiled.”.
Palestinian reports announced that one of the dead was Salahat Ezz Ad-Din, a resident of the refugee camp, who is considered one of the known militants in the Jenin Brigade. Another killed terrorist is Saib Issam Mahmoud Zariki. It was reported, “a severe arrest operation that includes shooting in all directions and other wounded”.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has already made up plans to travel to Egypt, Israel, and the West Bank from January 29-31 to consult with partners on a range of global and regional priorities including Israeli-Palestinian relations, preserving the two-state solution to the conflict, and the protection of human rights and democratic values, among other topics.
