Israeli forces use suicide drone amid clashes in Jenin refugee camp

Hamas warned that "the Israeli enemy must realize that the security of Tel Aviv is linked to the security of Jenin.”

 Jenin residents protest against arrests made by PA security forces, July 17.  (photo credit: RANEEN SAWAFTA/REUTERS)
Jenin residents protest against arrests made by PA security forces, July 17.
(photo credit: RANEEN SAWAFTA/REUTERS)

At least four Palestinians were killed and at least 20 others were wounded amid armed clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in the Jenin refugee camp on Tuesday evening, according to Palestinian reports.

Amid the clashes, an Israeli "Maoz" suicide drone was used against terrorists who were attacking Israeli forces in the camp, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit confirmed.

The home surrounded by Israeli forces reportedly belonged to Muhammad Abu al-Baha, a leader in the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Jenin. Palestinian media reported that shoulder-fired missiles were launched by Israeli forces toward the house, sparking a fire.

Two suspects, including Baha's father, were reportedly detained by Israeli forces during the raid, but were later released. Baha himself was not arrested during the raid.

People stand outside a hospital, during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the West Bank, September 19, 2023. (credit: RANEEN SAWAFTA/REUTERS)
People stand outside a hospital, during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the West Bank, September 19, 2023. (credit: RANEEN SAWAFTA/REUTERS)

According to the IDF, the Duvdevan Unit, the reconnaissance company of the Golani Brigade (Sayeret Golani), and Border Police officers took part in the raid.

The local branches of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's al-Quds Brigades and the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades stated that they were taking part in the clashes. The al-Quds Brigades claimed that it detonated an explosive device near Israeli forces amid the raid. No Israeli forces were injured in the raid.

While withdrawing from Jenin, an Israeli military vehicle was hit by an explosive device, with Israeli forces rescuing the vehicle amid further armed clashes.

Hamas: Tel Aviv's security linked to Jenin's security

Hamas official Mushir Al-Masri warned after the raid that "the Israeli enemy must realize that the security of Tel Aviv is linked to the security of Jenin,” according to Al-Jazeera.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's office said he was in continuous contact with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar during the raid in the Jenin refugee camp.

The Prime Minister's Office announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was being continuously updated about the situation in the Jenin refugee camp and the violence along the Gaza border.