Israeli military vehicles are seen inside Aqbat Jabr refugee camp, located southwest of Ariha in the Jordan Valley, as the troops raided the area on February 4, 2023 following a week-long blockade. (Photo by Shehab news agency)

Ramallah, February 4 (RHC)-- At least thirteen Palestinians have been injured after Israeli military forces stormed a refugee camp in the West Bank, amid fears that the situation across the occupied territories is going to implode in the near future.

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli troops broke into Aqbat Jabr camp, located southwest of Ariha in the Jordan Valley, on Saturday morning following a week-long siege.  The report, citing local sources, added that explosions and exchanges of gunfire were heard in the refugee camp later on.

Witnesses said Israeli soldiers opened live fire at Palestinians in the camp, and fired tear gas canisters as well as stun grenades while calling on people at a section of the camp to come out of their homes.  The soldiers broke into a poultry farm, and destroyed it in total.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said three of those injured by the Israeli gunfire are in serious condition. The ministry added that Israeli forces have obstructed entry of Palestinian medics and health personnel to reach their workplaces in Ariha.

Calls were heard in the Aqabat Jabr refugee camp’s mosques to come out and defend the area.  Residents received text messages, urging locals to remain at home in order to avoid confrontations with Israeli forces.

According to local sources, three Palestinians were reportedly arrested – all members of the same family, including a father and his two sons, after Israeli troops surrounded a home in the area.

The same sources added that Israeli forces demolished parts of the walls of a besieged house, and ordered those inside to surrender.