Palestinians strike in West Bank, Jerusalem over Israel killings
Al JazeeraDec 22, 2022
The Facts
Israeli raids in the West Bank led to the death of six Palestinians and nearly 20 wounded on Tuesday, as the city of Nablus has become a focal point of clashes between Palestinian fighters and Israeli forces.
Israeli security forces said the Nablus raid targeted a hideout that was being used as a headquarters and explosives manufacturing site by the Lions' Den, a recently formed Palestinian armed faction that is said to have carried out several attacks on Israeli troops in recent months.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The so-called "Lions' Den" is just another terrorist organization that Israel must neutralize. Though the media may portray the violence in the West Bank as Israeli aggression, in reality, Israel's raids are a response to the string of terror operations that have plagued Israeli society since earlier this year. Israel must fight terror in the West Bank to prevent spillover into Israel.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though Israel portrays its actions as defensive, its occupation forces are launching a deadly campaign against Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank. Nablus has been under siege for more than two weeks as settlers backed by the Israeli military attack Palestinian civilians just for existing on their land. Palestinians, including the Lions' Den, have a right to resist this brutal occupation.
Narrative C
The situation in the West Bank is spiraling out of control, and the possibility of a third intifada continues to grow. Palestinians have lost all hope in their largely corrupt and subservient leadership, making violence all the more likely. The Palestinian Authority is between a rock and a hard place, as it cannot directly intervene without destroying its already damaged reputation among Palestinians.