JERUSALEM: After clashes elsewhere in the occupied territory, Israeli forces on Thursday lifted a week-long lockdown on the West Bank city of Nablus, according to officials.

The military announced that the general closure imposed on the entry and exit of Nablus would be lifted "according to a routine situational assessment in Judea and Samaria (West Bank)".

According to a military spokesman, the lockdown was lifted at 4:00 am. (0200 GMT).

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On 11 October, Palestinian gunmen from a loose coalition of fighters known as Lions Den killed an Israeli soldier close to the Shawei Shomron settlement, after the army sealed the city.

According to the military, the group was responsible for about 20 attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians last month.
As Israel pursued members of the Lions Den, the army increased its raids inside the city.

On 25 October, an operation resulted in the deaths of five people, including a man whom Israel claimed to be the leader of the group.
According to reports, additional members recently converted themselves into Palestinian security forces.

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About 200,000 Palestinians were unable to enter or exit the city due to the widespread closure, which also disrupted daily life, the local economy, and access to healthcare and education.

Also on Thursday, an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian were fighting in Beit Dukku, northwest of Jerusalem, when a 42-year-old man, Daoud Ryan, was shot dead.

A spokesman for the Israeli Border Police claimed, "A terrorist, who was throwing firebombs at our forces, was spotted with a firebomb in his hand and was shot down."

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At least 30 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed in the occupied territories, according to AFP's calculations.