Ten Palestinians reportedly killed in heavy gun battle with IDF in Nablus
Terror suspects began shooting at IDF troops to avoid arrest
Ten Palestinians were reportedly killed and another 102 injured on Wednesday after heavy gunfire exchange during an Israel Defense Forces operation in the Old City of Nablus.
The IDF was conducting an operation to arrest members of the “Lion’s Den” terror group, responsible for some of the worst attacks against Israelis last year. IDF troops surrounded the building where the suspects were hiding, when they began shooting at the soldiers, forcing a gun battle which eventually led to Israel launching missiles at the building, according to an IDF statement.
Two of the targeted suspects, Hussam Aslim, 24, and Mohammed Abu Baker, 23, were killed. Aslim was reportedly also a member of the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip. Abu Baker was also the leader of the Nablus-based al Quds Brigade.
The two terrorists were responsible for several recent attacks against Israeli settlements, including one incident that resulted in the killing of an Israeli soldier, Staff Sgt. Ido Baruch, during a shooting attack on Oct. 11.
Walid Riyad Hussein Dakhil, 23, a Lion’s Den member who participated in shooting attacks in the West Bank was also among the dead.
No Israeli soldiers were killed during the operation.
“The occupation escalates its aggression against our people by storming today the city of Nablus and besieging the citizens. The right-wing, fascist, Zionist government is concerned with escalating the situation on the ground, as it has a criminal terrorist agenda,” said a spokesperson for Hamas, condemning the arrest raid.
“The resistance in Gaza is watching the enemy’s escalating crimes against our people,” said Abu Obeida, spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist organization warned that their response to the incident would be harsh.
“The resistance will not neglect its right to respond to the Nablus aggression, and Palestinian blood is not cheap,” it said.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas also condemned the operation, claiming Israel to be “responsible for this dangerous escalation, which is pushing the region toward tension and an explosive situation.”
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
