Two Palestinians were shot and killed in clashes with Israeli security forces in Kalandiya and Balata in the West Bank on Tuesday morning, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Alaa Shaham was named as the Palestinian man killed in clashes in Kalandiya, located north of Jerusalem. Six other people were wounded in the clashes in Kalandiya.
The clashes broke out as Border Police entered Kalandiya to arrest two Palestinians suspected of terrorist activities, according to Israel Police. The police officers responded with riot dispersal methods and live fire.
Nader Haitham Rayan was named as the teenager killed in clashes in Balata, located near Nablus. Three other people were injured in the clashes in Balata.
Border Police entered Balata in order to arrest a wanted suspect, according to Israel Police. An M-16 rifle was found in his home. As they were leaving, they were confronted by violent riots, during which Rayan was killed after he fired at Israeli forces.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist movement warned Israel of the "repercussions" of the deaths, saying that they would "not go unnoticed." The movement called for Palestinians in the West Bank and within pre-1967 Israel to attack Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Hamas official Jasser Barghouti stated on Tuesday that the deaths were "an indication of the occupation’s horror at the upcoming Palestinian anger, and a failed attempt to deter the angry masses,” according to Palestinian media. Barghouti called on Palestinians to escalate the situation.
Israel Police Chief Kobi Shabtai expressed support for the Border Police who operated in Rahat, Balata and Kalandiya, where three suspects were shot and killed by police on Tuesday, saying that police officers are working "in all sectors in the face of terrorism that seeks to harm civilians and members of the security forces."
"These operations are a sharp and clear message to anyone who seeks to harm our forces," said Shabtai.
The police chief stressed that while police are working to conduct talks and calm the situation ahead of the events and holidays coming soon, "we will not hesitate to act in the face of any threat with the determination required of Israeli police forces and police officers. That is how we acted and that is how we will continue to act."