NABLUS, West Bank /PNN/

Israeli forces detained several journalists and carried out a large-scale military incursion into the occupied West Bank city of Nablus early Sunday, during which the Israeli military said one of its soldiers was moderately wounded.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said Israeli forces were holding a number of journalists in the Yasmina neighbourhood inside Nablus’ Old City. Israeli troops sealed off the Old City entrances from the early morning hours, deploying widely across its alleys.

Palestinian security sources said undercover Israeli units infiltrated the Qaryoun neighbourhood inside the Old City, followed by the entry of multiple military vehicles from several directions. Troops spread through neighbourhoods and the eastern market area, as live gunfire was heard.

The sources said an undercover unit entered the Old City using two trucks as part of what they described as a special military operation. Shortly after the unit disembarked, Palestinian gunmen opened fire, forcing the Israeli force to retreat. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show members of the undercover unit fleeing the area.

Israeli forces later arrested two Palestinians, identified as Louay Shaaban and Hamido Zakari. Troops also fired live rounds at a vehicle in the Ras al-Ein neighbourhood, causing damage but no reported injuries. The passengers were evacuated.

Israeli forces also released dozens of worshippers who had been detained since dawn prayers inside al-Satoun Mosque in the Yasmina neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said a soldier was moderately wounded by gunfire during what it described as an operational activity in Nablus. The soldier was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, the army said, adding that forces had launched a manhunt for the suspected attacker.

Israeli military helicopters were seen flying over the city as the incursion continued.