Synopsis
On February 4, two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting attack at a checkpoint in the northern occupied West Bank. One soldier was identified as Ofer Yung, while the identity of the second soldier remains undisclosed. The incident follows the expansion of Israeli military operations in the region.Key Takeaways
- Two Israeli soldiers were killed in an attack at a checkpoint.
- One soldier identified as Ofer Yung from Tel Aviv.
- The assailant was armed with an M-16 rifle.
- The attack was praised by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
- Israeli military operations have expanded in the northern West Bank.
Jerusalem, Feb 4 (NationPress) In a tragic incident on Tuesday, two Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a shooting attack at a checkpoint located in the northern occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli military.
The military has confirmed the identity of one of the deceased soldiers as Ofer Yung, a 39-year-old reservist from Tel Aviv, who served as a squad commander in the 8211th Battalion, primarily engaged in operations in the northern West Bank.
The military has withheld the name of the second soldier, stating that it has not yet been authorized for public release.
Furthermore, the military updated an earlier report, indicating that two additional reservists are in serious condition, while six others have sustained minor injuries.
Preliminary investigations by the military suggest that a Palestinian attacker, armed with an M-16 rifle and donned in a military vest, approached an outpost near the checkpoint close to the Palestinian village of Tayasir in the northern Jordan Valley. The assailant ambushed Israeli soldiers by opening fire on them early in the morning.
Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have praised the attack, yet they have not claimed responsibility, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
This incident occurred just two days after the Israeli military announced the escalation of its extensive operation in the northern West Bank, which now includes the town of Tammun, situated near the Tayasir checkpoint.
According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces have killed at least 27 individuals since the offensive commenced in Jenin last month.
The Israeli military stated on Sunday that it has broadened its significant campaign in the northern occupied West Bank.
Israel initiated its largest military operation in Jenin in several years on January 21, branding it a "counterterrorism operation".
The operation, led by the IDF, Shin Bet security agency, and Border Police, has been named 'Iron Wall'.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the goal is to eradicate terrorism in Jenin and has claimed that Iran is behind anti-Israeli militant activities in the city.
Since then, hundreds of Israeli soldiers, along with the Air Force, have been conducting operations in Palestinian territories to locate military arms and equipment.
