Israeli troops, drones hit Jenin in major West Bank operation

Residents evacuate the Jenin refugee camp during an Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank on July 3, 2023. Israel has stepped up operations in the northern West Bank, home to Jenin city and its adjacent refugee camp, a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups where there has been a spate of attacks on Israelis as well as attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinian communities. (Photo by Jaafar ASHTIYEH / AFP)

JENIN, West Bank (Reuters): Israeli forces hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday (June 3) in one of the biggest West Bank operations in 20 years, killing at least eight Palestinians and involving hundreds of troops in sporadic gun battles that continued into the evening.

Gunfire and explosions were heard throughout the day as clashes continued between Israeli troops and fighters from the Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of armed groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp.