In a night marked by a flurry of military operations and terrorist activities in the region of Samaria, Israeli security forces undertook a critical mission in Tulkarm, located in western Samaria. The primary objective was the arrest of a high-priority individual wanted by the authorities. However, what unfolded was a series of confrontations with armed terrorists and the deployment of explosive devices against the Israeli forces.

The operation began on a Wednesday night and stretched into the early hours of Thursday, keeping the security forces engaged throughout the night. Even as dawn approached, the exchange of fire persisted, leading to injuries among the terrorists who had been targeted by the Israeli forces. According to the latest reports, in addition to the injured terrorists, five Israeli Border Patrol soldiers were injured, three in severe condition.

עימותים גם במחנה טולכרם, בסרטון חיילים מפנים חייל פצוע. pic.twitter.com/oEJiAPqGN6

— Asslan Khalil (@KhalilAsslan) October 5, 2023

Shortly thereafter, another incident occurred when terrorists opened fire from a vehicle directed towards the Avni Hefetz settlement in Samaria. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Responding swiftly, an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) unit, part of the Golani patrol, initiated a pursuit of the vehicle involved in the attack. The operation included roadblocks and culminated in an arrest attempt in the village of Shufa near Tulkarm. During this attempt, a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the IDF soldiers and the terrorists, resulting in the deaths of two terrorists, identified as Abd al-Rahman Fars Muhammad Ata, 23, and Hudifa Adnan Muhammad Fars, 27. Remarkably, there were no casualties among the IDF personnel involved. Notably, an M-16 rifle and cartridges utilized by the terrorists were discovered in the vehicle.

As the night progressed, security forces also conducted operations in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, further underscoring the intensity of the situation.

Simultaneously, approximately 3,000 Jewish worshipers, under the vigilant protection of security forces, made their way to Joseph's Tomb. This religious pilgrimage required a substantial security presence due to the volatile atmosphere in the region. Unfortunately, this occasion was marred by acts of violence as dozens of Palestinians engaged in rioting, including the burning of tires and setting fire to trash cans. The situation escalated when explosive devices were deployed against the forces responsible for securing the entrance of the 40 buses that transported the worshipers. During this confrontation, an IDF soldier sustained minor injuries. Dramatic footage from the scene captured an IDF bulldozer clearing burning debris obstructing the route, as well as an explosive device that was hurled toward the bulldozer.

לאמא של החייל שנוהג ממש עכשיו בטרקטור הזה!! הבן שלך נמצא עכשיו תחת אש כי חבורה הזויה של רבנים קיצוניים החליטו להוציא מבני ברק (כן! מבני ברק!) 40 אוטובוסים כי בא להם להתפלל בקבר יוסף. pic.twitter.com/WjjCEKG8Q9

— yaniv kubovich יניב קובוביץ (@yanivkub) October 4, 2023

Addressing the security tensions, Yossi Dagan, the head of the Samaria Regional Council, who was present at Joseph's Tomb, emphasized the challenging period Samaria is currently facing. "The settlements in Samaria are contending with a complex wave of terrorism and terrorist attacks. We expect the government to respond resolutely, upholding national honor in the face of terrorism. Additionally, we anticipate a commitment to further construction and development in response to these security challenges," stated the council's leader.