Jenin Operation: Israeli Forces Press Deadly Operation in West Bank
Background
The Israeli military launched a raid in the Jenin area of the occupied West Bank, a hotbed of Palestinian militancy, days into a ceasefire in the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Objective of the Operation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the objective of the operation, dubbed “Iron Wall”, is to “eradicate terrorism” in the area. He linked the operation to a broader strategy of countering Iran “wherever it sends its arms — in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen” and the West Bank.
Government Accusations
The Israeli government has accused Iran, which supports armed groups across the Middle East, including Hamas in Gaza, of attempting to funnel weapons and funds to militants in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Residents Flee
Hundreds of residents have begun leaving their homes in the Jenin area after Israeli forces ordered them to evacuate using loudspeakers on drones and military vehicles, according to Jenin governor Kamal Abu al-Rub.
Casualties
Since the operation began on Tuesday, it has killed at least 12 Palestinians and wounded 40 more, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli forces have also detained several Palestinians from the Jenin area.
Violence in West Bank
Violence has surged across the occupied West Bank since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, with Hamas’s attack on southern Israel. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 850 Palestinians, including many militants, in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war began.
Ceasefire
The Jenin raid began after a truce took effect in Gaza on Sunday, halting 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas. Under the terms of the truce, Gaza militants handed over three Israeli women they had been holding since 2023, in exchange for the release of around 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Conclusion
The situation in the Jenin area remains tense as Israeli forces press on with their operation to "eradicate terrorism". The ceasefire in Gaza has brought some relief, but the underlying tensions and violence in the West Bank continue to escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the Israeli operation in Jenin?
A: The objective is to "eradicate terrorism" in the area.
Q: Who is the target of the operation?
A: The operation is targeting Palestinian militants and armed groups in the Jenin area.
Q: How many Palestinians have been killed in the operation?
A: At least 12 Palestinians have been killed in the operation.
Q: How many Palestinians have been wounded in the operation?
A: At least 40 Palestinians have been wounded in the operation.
Q: What is the situation like in the Jenin area?
A: Hundreds of residents have begun leaving their homes, and Israeli forces are detaining several Palestinians from the area.