Israeli Forces Continue Operations in Jenin and Nablus Amid Rising Tensions
Israeli occupation forces have intensified their military operations in the West Bank, particularly in the city of Jenin and surrounding areas. On November 19, 2024, reports emerged of armed clashes between Israeli troops and resistance fighters in the village of Al-Shuhada, located south of Jenin. The Al-Quds Brigades - Jenin Battalion, affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Movement, confirmed that their fighters engaged in confrontations with the Israeli military, successfully detonating homemade explosive devices targeting military vehicles. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the Israeli army deployed snipers and conducted house raids, turning some residences into military outposts.
In a related incident, the Israeli army raided the home of imprisoned Hamas leader Hussam Harb in Nablus, while also storming several other towns and villages in the northern West Bank, including Salem and Burqa. During these operations, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported the death of an 18-year-old youth, Nour Ahmed Mustafa Arafat, who succumbed to injuries inflicted by Israeli gunfire in Nablus. The ongoing military actions have led to widespread unrest and civilian casualties, with reports of suffocation among residents due to the use of tear gas and sound bombs in towns like Al-Khader and Deheishe refugee camp.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Concerns in the West Bank
The recent surge in violence has raised significant humanitarian concerns, as the Israeli military continues to conduct raids across various Palestinian communities. In addition to the operations in Jenin and Nablus, the Israeli forces have also targeted the town of Idhna in Hebron, closing off entrances and restricting movement for local residents. Reports indicate that children have been caught in the crossfire, with one child reportedly injured while on his way to school.
The official Palestinian news agency, WAFA, highlighted the use of excessive force by Israeli troops, noting that several citizens suffered from suffocation during the storming of Al-Khader. Furthermore, the Israeli army's actions have resulted in numerous arrests, including three Palestinians taken from the Wadi al-Maleh area in the northern Jordan Valley. The ongoing violence has led to a tragic toll, with official Palestinian data reporting 785 fatalities and approximately 6,300 injuries since the escalation began, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
