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Palestinian gunmen killed near West Bank Samaritan community Palestinian gunmen killed near West Bank Samaritan community
(about 5 hours later)
Israel says troops returned fire after coming under attackIsrael says troops returned fire after coming under attack
Three Palestinians have been shot dead after opening fire on Israeli soldiers near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Israel's military has said.Three Palestinians have been shot dead after opening fire on Israeli soldiers near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, Israel's military has said.
The troops were guarding the Samaritans, a tiny community which traces its origins back to biblical Israelite tribes.The troops were guarding the Samaritans, a tiny community which traces its origins back to biblical Israelite tribes.
Security camera footage shows a figure shooting at two soldiers who return fire before a two-minute gun battle.Security camera footage shows a figure shooting at two soldiers who return fire before a two-minute gun battle.
It comes amid spiralling Israeli-Palestinian tensions in the West Bank.It comes amid spiralling Israeli-Palestinian tensions in the West Bank.
Since the start of the year, more than 160 Palestinians - militants and civilians - have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.Since the start of the year, more than 160 Palestinians - militants and civilians - have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
On the Israeli side, at least 30 people - including two foreigners and a Palestinian worker - have been killed in attacks or apparent attacks by Palestinians. All were civilians except one off-duty serving soldier and a member of the Israeli security forces.On the Israeli side, at least 30 people - including two foreigners and a Palestinian worker - have been killed in attacks or apparent attacks by Palestinians. All were civilians except one off-duty serving soldier and a member of the Israeli security forces.
In the incident on Tuesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the soldiers were fired at from a car. It said the soldiers returned fire "neutralising the terrorists".In the incident on Tuesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the soldiers were fired at from a car. It said the soldiers returned fire "neutralising the terrorists".
It said weapons, cartridges and military equipment were found and seized.It said weapons, cartridges and military equipment were found and seized.
The official Palestinian Wafa news agency said Israeli forces took away the bodies of the men, who it said were aged between 32 and 43, and their vehicle. The official Palestinian Wafa news agency said Israeli forces took away the bodies of the men, who it said were aged between 32 and 43, and their vehicle. The militant Islamist group Hamas said the three were members of its armed wing.
The area where the incident took place is home to the Samaritans, a community believed to number fewer than 900, half of which live in Israel and the other half under Palestinian rule outside Nablus. Unusually, its members hold both Israeli and Palestinian citizenship.The area where the incident took place is home to the Samaritans, a community believed to number fewer than 900, half of which live in Israel and the other half under Palestinian rule outside Nablus. Unusually, its members hold both Israeli and Palestinian citizenship.
They practice a religion which is rooted in Judaism but has its own official status, customs and sets of beliefs. They practise a religion which is rooted in Judaism, but has its own official status, customs and sets of beliefs.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Israel & the PalestiniansIsrael & the Palestinians
Palestinian territoriesPalestinian territories
West BankWest Bank