Death toll from Israeli operation in N. West Bank rises to 3

RAMALLAH, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian woman was killed by Israeli shelling targeting Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, bringing the death toll on Tuesday to three, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

In a statement, the ministry announced the death of 30-year-old Bara Khaled Hussein Ali, who succumbed to critical injuries sustained earlier on Tuesday in an Israeli shelling on the refugee camp.

Earlier in the day, the ministry reported the deaths of Khawla Ali Abdullah Abdo, 53, due to Israeli shelling, and Fathi Saeed Odeh Ubaid, 18, who was fatally shot in the abdomen and chest during pre-dawn clashes.

Faisal Salama, the coordinator of Palestinian factions in Tulkarm, told Xinhua that Israeli forces have been conducting their operation in Tulkarm Refugee Camp since 1:00 a.m., expanding it then to nearby Nur Shams Refugee Camp.

He added that Israeli bulldozers have been leveling roads and infrastructure, as well as destroying and burning homes and properties belonging to residents in the camp.

Local Palestinian sources reported that armed clashes are ongoing between Palestinian gunmen in Nur Shams Camp, east of the Tulkarm city, accompanied by explosions caused by the detonation of homemade explosives.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a statement on Tuesday that Israel Defense Forces, Shin Bet and police forces launched a brigade operation in Tulkarm, and during the operation, "a terrorist was neutralized in a direct confrontation, and forces are still operating in the area to thwart terrorism."

The West Bank has been witnessing escalating tensions since Oct. 7, 2023, and more than 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire across the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.