A gun battle erupted late Monday during a large-scale Israeli arrest raid in the northern city of Jenin, reportedly to arrest a senior Islamic Jihad official, security sources and locals said.
Palestinian security officials said over 40 Israeli military vehicles raided Jenin and the refugee camp in the city, leading to violent clashes with youths.
Israeli forces reportedly surrounded a house belonging to the Abu al-Haija family and clashes ensued with armed gunmen from the Islamic Jihad group.
Initial reports suggest at least five Palestinians were killed during the skirmishes, although the mayor of Jenin said there has been no official confirmation of the death toll.
Israeli media reported that soldiers came under heavy fire during the arrest raid, with local sources saying an Israeli soldier was moderately to severely injured in the gun battle.
Large backup forces were reported in the area, including an Israeli army helicopter, to evacuate the injrued soldier.
