Palestinian Journalists Injured During Israeli Raid in West Bank, Accuse Military of Firing on Press

Palestinian journalists have accused the Israeli military of firing on them during a raid in the occupied West Bank town of Kafr Dan, injuring at least one reporter, CNN reports.

Mohammed Mansour, a journalist for the Palestinian news agency WAFA, was injured when his car was struck by gunfire. Video footage shows a chaotic scene as Mansour races through the streets, with blood pouring from his leg. All journalists in the vehicle, which was clearly marked as “press,” were wearing flak jackets with “press” labels.

WAFA alleges that the Israeli military “fired live bullets directly at the vehicle,” which was carrying four journalists reporting on the Tuesday raid. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed that it treated four journalists injured by gunfire and shrapnel.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the occupied West Bank, where violence has escalated since the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October. On August 28, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of raids and airstrikes in multiple areas, including Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarem, bulldozing highways and destroying buildings.

The IDF has defended its operations, claiming they are necessary to counter “immediate terror threats.”

Humanitarian groups have condemned the use of disproportionate force against Palestinian residents, citing damage to critical infrastructure and disruptions to healthcare services. A UN spokesperson warned of the Israeli military’s use of “lethal war-like tactics” in the occupied territory, leading to deaths, injuries, and displacement, as well as hindering access for aid organizations.

On Monday, two Palestinian journalists were injured by shrapnel while covering the aftermath of Israeli military operations in Jenin, dodging bulldozers amidst gunfire.

The IDF has stated that its bulldozing operations are aimed at finding and dismantling explosive devices. Since launching the operation last month, Israeli forces have killed 33 Palestinians in the West Bank, including six children and two elderly people, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Another 130 people have been injured.

The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, reported the deaths of three of its members on Friday.

The incident involving the Palestinian journalists raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists covering the conflict in the occupied territories. It also underscores the ongoing tension and violence plaguing the region, with humanitarian groups calling for an end to the use of excessive force by Israeli forces.