Witnesses and Palestinian health officials report that nine Palestinians, including an elderly man and several terrorists, were murdered during an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

As troops entered the center of Nablus, explosions and gunfire could be heard, setting up armed encounters with armed assailants.

According to reports, two prominent Palestinian militants were killed inside a residence after becoming the target of intense Israeli bombardment.

Earlier, the Israeli military confirmed that some of its soldiers were present in Nablus.

According to Palestinian health officials, a 72-year-old civilian was among those killed during the gunfights outside a besieged house.

In what is typically a bustling market area of the old city, video footage showed a body in the street near to bags of bread.

According to the health officials, more than 100 people were also shot, with six of them suffering critical injuries.

Israel has increased its intelligence collection, arrest, and search operations in Nablus and the surrounding Jenin over the past year in response to a string of deadly Palestinian attacks.

This newest one occurs despite reports this week of a deal the US helped to strike to reduce tensions.

At least 50 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, have died so far this year, whereas 11 people have died as a result of Palestinian attacks against Israelis.