IDF breaks protocol entering Jenin hospital to arrest Palestinian suspect - report

As per the IDF's protocols, Israeli forces are required to obtain an approval from a division commander before operating within medical facilities.

 View of the Ibn Sina Hospital, in the West Bank city of Jenin on January 30, 2024 (photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
View of the Ibn Sina Hospital, in the West Bank city of Jenin on January 30, 2024
(photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

IDF soldiers from the Kfir Brigade entered a hospital in Jenin as part of West Bank operations on Monday despite not receiving approval to do so by relevant commanders, in breach of military protocols, KAN News reported.

The forces reportedly entered the medical facility to arrest a Palestinian suspect. The suspect, identified by Palestinian media as a Gazan teen, was released shortly after his arrest.

In a preliminary investigation, the soldiers claimed that the Palestinian suspect filmed them during operations in the Jenin refugee camp. He then ran into the hospital and was arrested by Israeli forces, the report added.

As per the IDF's protocols, Israeli forces are required to obtain an approval from a division commander or another high-ranking commander before operating within medical facilities.

In some events, operating inside a hospital may require approval from more senior commanders, including the IDF chief of staff, depending on the nature of the operation. 

 Palestinian gunman walking in the street after an Israeli military operation at the Ibn Sina Hospital, in the West Bank city of Jenin, January 30, 2024.  (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
Palestinian gunman walking in the street after an Israeli military operation at the Ibn Sina Hospital, in the West Bank city of Jenin, January 30, 2024. (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

Terror thwarted 

Additionally, on Monday, a resident of Jenin told the police in the Western Galilee that his brother planned to carry out a terror attack in Acre, Army Radio reported.

According to the report, the brother was armed with a knife, and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) investigated the incident further.