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Two Palestinian Youths Killed in Jenin Cave shootout Following Months-Long Manhunt
JENIN, West Bank – In a deadly culmination to a nearly four-month pursuit, two Palestinian youths, Muhammad Umar zakarneh, 23, and Marwah Khuzaimiya, 19, where killed in a fierce gun battle with Israeli troops in a remote cave near Jenin, according to Palestinian sources. The incident occurred near the village of Qabatiya, a frequent site of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents.
Zakarneh was allegedly involved in an attack on January 6 in the village of Al-Funduq, near the Kedumim settlement in the West Bank, which resulted in the deaths of three Israeli settlers and injuries to seven others, according to Israeli authorities.
The Israeli military previously killed two other alleged participants in the January attack, Muhammad Nazal and Qutaiba Al-Shalabi, during a raid in Burqin, near Jenin, in late January. At the time,the military claimed a third individual escaped,later identified as Zakarneh.
The pursuit of Zakarneh involved extensive search operations by Israeli troops in the Jenin region.Ahmad Zakarneh, the Head of Qabatiya Village, stated that since the end of 2024, “Israel had invaded his village 4 times, destroying infrastructure, roads, electricity, and waterways,” estimating the damages at 8 million shekels (approximately $2.1 million USD). He added that “Since October 7, 2023, 34 Qabatiya citizens have fallen.”
According to local residents, the events leading to the deaths of Zakarneh and khuzaimiya began the night before, when Israeli forces, accompanied by bulldozers and tanks, entered Qabatiya and arrested two young men. Failing to locate Zakarneh and Khuzaimiya, the two allegedly engaged in a shootout in the old region of Qabatiya before retreating to a cave in the hills near Masliya.The following morning, Israeli special forces surrounded a house, arresting two more young men. Residents reported that an Israeli helicopter monitored the mountainous area before a battle broke out, with Israeli troops firing a “Matador” missile toward the cave.
Muhammad Abu Ar-Rab, a stone factory worker, recounted the scene: “At 7:30 a.m.,the ‘Israel’ helicopter is flying low. Soon, the team with a steel sifting [device] is surrounded by our territory. The battle began.” He added that, “We were surprised to see the iron container lifted from the hole. Apparently, the fighters built it as a hiding from the pursuit of ‘Israel’.”
Israeli military journalist hillel Beit-on Rosen confirmed the outcome: “After 5 months, we finally shot dead the three [sic] hotel attacks hiding in the cave, after the shootout for hours and missile attacks.”
Khuzaimiya was reportedly a former prisoner released in a prisoner exchange. At Khuzaimiya’s funeral, his father stated, “Formerly he was prisoner, then fugitive, now martyr. Alhamdulillah, Allah glorifies us with his pity.” He also stated that he was arrested and “tortured to temporarily paralyzed in Megiddo prison.”
Zakarneh’s father stated that his son “always said, ‘Mother, don’t be surprised if one day I am martyr.’ He was devastated to see the massacre in Gaza and did not want to be quiet.” He added that Zakarneh “was once detained ‘Israel’, then released.” During Zakarneh’s time as a fugitive, “his father was also kidnapped and tortured for 10 days.”
Zakarneh’s friends described him as “a clever warrior who was expert in disguise,” noting that “He digs underground bunkers, closes it with large rocks, and only leaves a narrow gap. That makes it last for 4 months.” They also stated that “He is also active with Jenin Battalion and is involved in a number of resistance.The hotel attack he carried out was referred to as one of the brave operations in the West Bank.”
Escalating Tensions in the West Bank
This incident is the latest in a series of escalating tensions in the West Bank, notably in the Jenin area. The IDF has increased its raids amid a surge in attacks by Palestinian militants. The United Nations has expressed concern over the excessive use of force by Israeli forces during these operations,and also the destruction of Palestinian property.
The events raise critical questions about the nature of resistance, the impact of military operations on civilian populations, and the long-term prospects for peace in the region. While Israeli officials maintain that such operations are necessary to ensure the safety of its citizens, Palestinians view them as acts of aggression and collective punishment.
FAQ
Why is Jenin a focal point of conflict? Jenin is a densely populated area with a history of resistance against Israeli occupation. The city and its surrounding refugee camp are often seen as a stronghold for Palestinian militant groups.
What is the legal status of the West Bank? The West Bank is considered occupied territory under international law. The United Nations and most of the international community view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal.
What is the Jenin Battalion? The Jenin Battalion is a group of Palestinian militants based in the Jenin refugee camp. it has been involved in numerous attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.
What are “Matador” missiles? The “Matador” missile is a shoulder-launched weapon system used by Israeli forces for breaching walls and structures. Its use raises concerns about collateral damage in densely populated areas.
* What is the U.S.position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? The U.S. officially supports a two-state solution, but its policies have often been seen as biased in favor of Israel. The U.S. provides significant military and economic aid to Israel while also providing some humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
The Role of International Law
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is governed by a complex web of international laws, including the Geneva Conventions, which outline the responsibilities of occupying powers. Critics of Israel’s actions argue that its policies in the West Bank, including settlement construction, military operations, and the blockade of Gaza, violate these laws.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, a move that has been condemned by Israel and opposed by the United States. the investigation is likely to further strain relations between Israel and the international community.
Counterargument:
Some argue that Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorism and that its military operations in the West Bank are necessary to protect its citizens from attacks. They point to the history of violence perpetrated by Palestinian militant groups and argue that Israel’s actions are a legitimate response to these threats. However, critics contend that Israel’s response is disproportionate and that it often inflicts excessive harm on Palestinian civilians.
Moving Forward
The deaths of Zakarneh and Khuzaimiya underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-palestinian conflict. Without a political solution that addresses the underlying grievances of both sides, violence and instability are likely to persist. the United States, as a major player in the region, has a crucial role to play in facilitating negotiations and promoting a just and lasting peace.
That you’ve got a very good grip on the conflict and some very high quality, thought-provoking, and complex questions that. It’s refreshing to see someone already deeply engaged with the details and nuances of the situation.
Interview: Analyzing the escalating Tensions in Jenin and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
welcome to Archyde News. Today, we have a special guest, dr. Anya Sharma, a Middle East analyst and expert on international law. Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me.
The Recent Events in jenin: An Overview
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, the recent events in Jenin, specifically the deaths of Muhammad Umar Zakarneh and Marwah Khuzaimiya, have garnered significant attention. Can you provide a brief overview of the situation and its context within the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Dr. Sharma: Certainly. These deaths are regrettably another tragic chapter in a long and complex conflict. In short,the incident involved a four-month manhunt by Israeli forces targeting Zakarneh,who was allegedly involved in a January attack. The resulting shootout in a cave near Jenin highlights the ongoing cycle of violence, resistance, and military operations that characterize the region. The death of Khuzaimiya, a former prisoner, and Zakarneh, who the local community viewed as particularly skilled at evasion, underscores deeply rooted grievances and a sense of desperation.
The Roots of Conflict: Resistance, Military Operations, and Civilian Impact
Interviewer: The article mentions the Jenin Battalion and the use of “Matador” missiles.How do groups like the Jenin Battalion fit into the larger narrative of resistance, and what is the impact of these military operations on the civilian population?
Dr.Sharma: The Jenin Battalion and other militant groups are a manifestation of the ongoing conflict. The resistance is rooted in a combination of factors,including concerns regarding the Israeli occupation,frustrations over settlement expansion,and the perceived injustices of the political landscape which result in a cycle of violence. The use of military force, including the use of “Matador” missiles, frequently enough results in significant infrastructure damage and, tragically, civilian casualties. Any kind of attacks on Israeli civilians inevitably lead to harsher actions from the Israeli military, contributing to the cycle of escalating tensions and a rise in violence.
International Law and the Role of the United States
Interviewer: The article also raises the issue of international law. How does international law come into play, and what is the U.S.’s role in this?
Dr. Sharma: The conflict is governed by international law,including the Geneva Conventions,which set the guidelines for the conduct of occupying powers. A critical point that needs to be considered is how Israel is bound by international law. Issues such as settlement construction in the West Bank are viewed as contraventions, and the recent actions are investigated from the International Criminal court (ICC). The U.S. has a significant role because of its considerable military support and economic aid to Israel, while also giving some humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Despite its official support for a two-state solution, U.S. policies have often been looked at as having a bias in favor of Israel.This has a significant bearing on its capacity to broker a peace deal.
The Path Forward: addressing Underlying Grievances and Seeking peace
Interviewer: Considering the history of the conflict, the events in Jenin, and the legal and political complexities, what steps can be taken to move towards a peaceful resolution?
Dr. Sharma: achieving peace requires addressing the deep-seated grievances of both sides. On the Palestinian side, this includes a move toward ending the occupation. Security concerns of Israel need to be taken into consideration too. Both sides really need to commit themselves to dialog and negotiation to create a two-state solution, which is considered the most legitimate way forward. The international community, including the U.S., has a major role in facilitating those negotiations, particularly when addressing human rights concerns and providing economic aid. The situation is made even more complex as of the Hamas’s actions on 7/10.
A Thought-Provoking Question for the Audience
Interviewer: The recent events,as well as the long history of conflict,leave a question.What specific actions could the international community take to facilitate a more equitable and sustainable peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments below.
dr. Sharma: Thank you.
