Israeli Troops Kill Two Palestinian Youths in West Bank Village Raid

Israeli troops killed two Palestinian youths during a joint military and settler raid on a West Bank village, according to health officials. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions in the region. Senator Chris Van Hollen condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz for reiterating calls for Palestinians to emigrate from Gaza, citing a report accusing Israel of implementing a plan to ethnically cleanse the territory. Katz stated Israel is prepared to facilitate Palestinian departures with U.S. support. The report by Van Hollen and Senator Jeff Merkley dismissed "voluntary departure" claims as a "cruel hoax." Katz claimed 80 percent of Gazans want to emigrate, while Israeli security officials reported no countries willing to accept them.