West Bank at boiling point as Palestinians take up arms against settlers

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The security situation in the West Bank is escalating at alarming levels as Israeli army raids continue on a daily basis, often resulting in deadly clashes with the local population, in parallel with increased settler attacks.

Two Palestinians were killed by Israel forces near the northern West Bank of Tubas in the early morning of Friday.

A man identified as Muhammad Shahmawi was shot dead by Israeli gunfire during a military raid in al-Faraa camp, in the south of Tubas, the official WAFA news agency reported. Two others were injured during the raid, in which the army used drones and snipers. Israeli reports claimed the man was a member of an armed group from al-Faraa camp.

Later, another Palestinian was killed after Israeli forces opened fire at his vehicle while he was driving near the city of Tubas, WAFA said. The Israeli army confirmed the death of the Palestinian, identifying him as Mohammad Omar Daraghmeh, a Hamas operative in Tubas. Hamas said Daraghmeh was a member of its military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.