Israel/Palestinian Territories: Two dead after attack in Jenin refugee camp July 12

Event

Two Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, July 12, after reportedly attacking Israeli soldiers on patrol in a refugee camp near Jenin, Palestinian Territories. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the men launched explosive devices at the patrolling soldiers, leading to a firefight that left the two men dead and another assailant injured.

Context

At least 257 Palestinians and one Jordanian citizen have been killed since a wave of violent Palestinian street attacks began in 2015. Israel claims at least 175 of those killed were carrying out attacks, while the rest died in clashes and protests. In addition to these deaths, 38 Israelis, two US tourists, and one British student have been killed in Palestinian stabbings, shootings, and car-rammings.

Longstanding political and social tensions between Israelis and Palestinians contribute to frequent security incidents of varying severity. Israel claims that these incidents are largely the result of the Palestinian Authority (PA) fueling social unrest with calls to protest, whereas Palestinians criticize what they describe as an illegal occupation by the Israeli population.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian territories are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid any public demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

More generally due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.