Escalating West Bank Violence: Israeli Drone Strikes Kill Two Palestinian Gunmen

An Israeli drone operation resulted in the deaths of two Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank's Balata area. As confirmed by the Palestinian Health Ministry, a woman and a young girl were also injured. The violence follows a steady rise in tensions since last October's war in Gaza.

An Israeli drone killed two Palestinian gunmen in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, according to the Israeli military. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the fatalities in the Balata area, near Nablus. A woman and a 12-year-old girl were also injured.

Violence has surged in the West Bank since last October's Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, resulting in increased Israeli raids, Jewish settler violence, and Palestinian attacks. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Israeli forces have killed at least 620 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the war's outset.

The deceased include armed fighters, stone-throwing youths, and non-combatant civilians. During the same period, at least 30 Israelis, both civilians and soldiers, have been killed by Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies.)