West Bank; On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Israel initiated a significant military operation in the West Bank, leading to the deaths of at least nine Palestinians and the lockdown of the city of Jenin. This operation is part of a broader strategy following the escalation of conflict in the region.
Israeli forces, including armored vehicles, entered Jenin and other northern West Bank areas such as Tulkarem and the Al-Faraa refugee camp. The Israeli military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, reported that the deceased individuals were militants, with some killed in airstrikes targeting Tulkarem and Al-Faraa. Additionally, five suspected militants were detained during the operation.
The operation comes as a response to ongoing violence that began with a Hamas attack from Gaza on October 7. This latest escalation includes exchanges of fire between Palestinian militant groups and Israeli troops. The governor of Jenin, Kamal Abu al-Rub, described the situation as dire, noting that Israeli forces had encircled the city, restricting access to hospitals and damaging infrastructure.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that roads to medical facilities in Jenin were obstructed with dirt barriers, complicating access for those in need of medical care. Witnesses confirmed that army vehicles and bulldozers were blocking entrances to Al-Faraa camp, with damage to residential areas evident from leaks and debris.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz compared the situation in the West Bank to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, advocating for similar measures to combat militant threats. However, Shoshani indicated there are no plans to evacuate civilians.
Hamas has urged Palestinians in the West Bank to resist, claiming the raids are part of a larger effort to expand the war into Gaza. The group also criticized U.S. support for Israel and called on the Palestinian Authority to join the conflict.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli raids as a “serious escalation” and called for U.S. intervention. The recent violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 652 Palestinians in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict began over ten months ago.
Israel’s actions are framed as necessary to dismantle militant groups and protect Israeli civilians, while ongoing hostilities in Gaza have caused extensive casualties and displacement. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, including women and children.
Efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a cease-fire have yet to yield results, with talks moving to Qatar this week amid continued demands for a resolution from both sides.
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