A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday evening during an Israeli military operation in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, according to Palestinian officials. The incident took place amid an exchange of fire as Israeli forces moved into the area to target a suspect they had been pursuing for more than a year.
Palestinian security sources identified the man as Abdel Raouf Shatyeh, who Israel alleges was involved in a vehicular attack that killed two Israeli soldiers more than eighteen months ago. The sources said Israeli forces surrounded a residential building on Amman Street in eastern Nablus, where heavy gunfire erupted before part of the apartment caught fire. Flames were seen rising after the building was hit by what witnesses described as shoulder fired projectiles.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said it received reports of an injured person inside the apartment during the operation. However, its medical teams were prevented by Israeli forces from reaching the site. The organisation later stated that residents informed them the man inside had been killed.
Residents reported that the raid triggered a series of arrests across different neighbourhoods in Nablus as Israeli troops searched for additional suspects. The operation caused widespread tension in the city, with clashes reported in surrounding streets as forces moved through the area.
The Israel Defense Forces said in a brief statement that its troops were conducting a “counterterrorism operation” in eastern Nablus and confirmed that an exchange of fire had taken place with what it described as a “terrorist”. Israel frequently uses this terminology to refer to raids targeting individuals linked to Palestinian armed groups.
Nablus has seen frequent Israeli operations over the past two years, particularly in response to attacks in the West Bank and Israel. These raids often involve large deployments of troops, armoured vehicles and drones, and have resulted in casualties on both sides. Palestinian authorities say such operations deepen instability and contribute to growing anger among residents, while Israel argues they are necessary to prevent further attacks.
Monday’s incident adds to a rising number of confrontations in the West Bank as tensions remain high across the region. Human rights organisations have repeatedly expressed concern about restrictions on medical access during Israeli operations, arguing that preventing emergency responders from entering affected areas endangers lives and violates international humanitarian norms.
Local residents in Nablus said the area remained on edge following the raid, with fears of additional operations in the coming days. The broader security situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate, with regular clashes, increased military activity and ongoing political uncertainty.
