Ongoing Israeli Military Raid in Jenin Leaves Eight Dead
An Israeli raid that began on Tuesday morning in the West Bank town of Jenin has resulted in eight fatalities and several injuries, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported. The operation, still ongoing as of Wednesday, has been marked by the persistent sounds of drones, explosions, and gunshots within the Jenin refugee camp, which has been under occupation since 1967.
Israeli forces, bolstered by armored vehicles and bulldozers, continue to patrol Jenin. In a statement, the Israeli army announced they are targeting 'terrorist activities' by armed men associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The army has reported 'numerous exchanges of fire' and claimed to have found explosives underneath roads within the town.
The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed an eighth death via their Telegram account, and the Palestinian Red Crescent mentioned that one of their ambulances was fired upon by Israeli forces while aiding a wounded individual. Eyewitnesses, including AFP journalists, confirmed the sighting of four bodies following the initial military incursion. Numerous exchanges of fire between Israeli soldiers and armed men have been reported.
The ongoing violence has significantly disrupted daily life in Jenin. Schools and businesses have been evacuated or shuttered, and a local independent journalist was injured by a stray bullet. The Palestinian Ministry of Health noted that a surgeon from the Jenin government hospital and a schoolteacher were among the deceased. Funeral gatherings for the victims have been taking place, with one event documented at a mosque east of Jenin.
Reactions to the raid have been intense and divided. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the Israeli actions, accusing them of targeting innocent civilians and damaging crucial infrastructure. The Israeli army describes its operations as 'anti-terrorist measures' aimed at preventing future attacks. This latest surge in violence comes amidst a broader context of conflict exacerbated by recent hostilities in Gaza, which significantly escalated following a severe attack by Hamas on Israeli territory on October 7.
- The Jenin area, known for its stronghold of Palestinian armed groups, has recurrently been the focus of Israeli military actions. The operations, often termed as anti-terrorist measures by the Israeli Defense Forces, aim to curb potential threats and attacks against Israeli citizens both in the West Bank and within Israel.
- Since the recent escalation in Gaza, the West Bank has witnessed increased military interventions. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 514 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, whereas official Israeli data indicates at least 12 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank by Palestinian attacks.
- The town of Jenin remains tense with palpable fear and grief among its residents. Despite the dangers, Palestinian families and community members continue to gather for funerals and to support one another through these difficult times.
