Israeli drone strike in West Bank kills three Palestinians, officials say

A Palestinian man pushes his bike amid the rubble of buildings hit in Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on October 24, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 25 October 2023
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Israeli drone strike in West Bank kills three Palestinians, officials say

RAMALLAH: Israeli forces on an overnight raid in the occupied West Bank came under fire by a group of Palestinians whom the military then hit with a drone, the Israeli military said on Wednesday, and Palestinian officials said three people were killed.

The military said armed Palestinians “fired and hurled explosive devices” at its forces in Jenin refugee camp, in the northern West Bank. The military then struck them with a drone, and “hits were identified,” it added.

The drone fired at least two projectiles, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency WAFA reported, citing sources in the camp.

Three people were killed and more than 20 others injured, WAFA reported, citing Wissam Bakr, director of Jenin Governmental Hospital.

The drone attack was at least the third use of Israeli air power in the West Bank since violence in the territory surged after Hamas’ Oct. 7 armed rampage in southern Israel.

Jenin refugee camp, a Palestinian militant stronghold, was the focus of a major Israeli military operation earlier this year. 


International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation

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International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation

  • Capital cements role as hub at World Defense Show

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's capital is cementing its role as a rising hub in the global defense industry, and the World Defense Show has attracted international brands eager to showcase advanced technologies and expand partnerships in the Kingdom and beyond. 

Held under the patronage of the Saudi leadership, the show — which runs until Feb. 12 — has brought together defense manufacturers, technology innovators and government representatives from around the world.

Arab News spoke to several international exhibitors who underscored the show’s growing importance as a gateway to pursue regional and global cooperation.

Among the returning participants is Passtech Machine Tools, represented by Syed Zahid, its sales manager.

Passtech Machine Tools is participating in the World Defense Show in Riyadh for the third time, says sales manager Syed Zahid. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

The company collaborates with various international brands, providing tools, machines and gauges, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machinery from South Korea. 

For Zahid, WDS has proved to be a strategic platform, and he said: “This is our third time. We see it as very, very useful.”

From China, Jihua Group Co. Ltd. showcases advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. Peter Wang, its senior product manager, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation.   

At the company’s booth, Arab News was introduced to several technologies, including what Wang described as a “true-color navigation device.”

Highlighting a wearable system, Wang said it was designed to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.

Jihua Group Co. Ltd. of China, another participant ad WDS Riyadh, showcased advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

He emphasized the diversity of visitors and the potential for cross-border cooperation, and added: “I meet different countries’ customers here. I’m very happy and I want to get some opportunities for cooperation.” 

Turkiye is also represented at the event. Masttech, which is attending WDS for the first time, is showcasing its products for visitors.

Deputy General Manager Sitki Tuzun said: “We are here to show all our products. We are producing electromechanical, mechanical and pneumatic mast systems here.”

While the company does not yet have Saudi clients, Tuzun made it clear that the show was a strategic leap toward entering the market.

“We are here for connection and new business cooperation,” he said.

First-time WDS participant Masttech hopes to capture a portion of the Saudi defense market soon. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)

The World Defense Show has demonstrated its increasing influence as a platform from which global brands meet regional opportunity.

Beyond static displays, the show serves as a dynamic networking arena, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and defense stakeholders under one roof.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its defense industry and invest in advanced technologies, WDS continues to facilitate partnerships, technology transfer and international collaboration — reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a central node in the global defense ecosystem.