Israeli forces say several armed Palestinians killed in Jericho raid

Assault on Aqabat Jabr refugee camp comes as escalating violence sparks fears of a third intifada

Israeli forces say they have killed several armed fighters during an army raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, the latest violence in a period of escalating tensions that has sparked fears of a third intifada, or Palestinian uprising.

A statement from the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Monday morning said a number of armed assailants were killed after firing toward IDF soldiers who were operating in the area" overnight. Israeli media, citing Palestinian sources, put the number of dead at seven. The Palestinian health ministry did not give any details of deaths, saying that three people had been hospitalised after being shot by Israeli forces.