Military Operation in West Bank: Israel Kills 9 Palestinians, Seals Off Jenin
A large-scale military operation was launched by Israel in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, resulting in the death of at least nine Palestinians and the sealing off of the volatile city of Jenin, according to Palestinian officials.
Background
Israel has carried out near-daily raids across the West Bank since Hamas’ October 7 attack out of Gaza triggered the ongoing war. The conflict has led to a significant escalation in violence, with at least 652 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the war began over 10 months ago.
Military Operation
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, stated that "large forces" had entered the city of Jenin, which has long been a militant stronghold, as well as Tulkarem and the Al-Faraa refugee camp, all in the northern West Bank. The nine dead were all militants, including three killed in an airstrike in Tulkarem and another four in an airstrike in Al-Faraa. Five suspected militants were also arrested, and the raids were the first stage of an even larger operation aimed at preventing attacks on Israeli civilians.
Reaction
The Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank reported that Israeli forces had blocked the roads leading to a hospital with dirt barriers and surrounded other medical facilities in Jenin. Shoshani stated that the military was trying to prevent militants from taking shelter in hospitals. An Associated Press reporter witnessed army vehicles blocking all the entrances to Al-Faraa camp, with military jeeps and bulldozers entering the camp and soldiers patrolling its alleyways on foot.
International Reaction
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz drew comparisons with Gaza and called for similar measures in the West Bank. "We must deal with the threat just as we deal with the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza, including the temporary evacuation of Palestinian residents and whatever steps might be required. This is a war in every respect, and we must win it," he wrote on the platform X.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the raids as a "serious escalation" and called on the United States to intervene, according to the official Palestinian news agency.
Conclusion
The military operation in the West Bank has resulted in the death of at least nine Palestinians and the sealing off of the city of Jenin. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in violent clashes and neither side showing any signs of backing down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the outcome of the military operation in the West Bank?
A: At least nine Palestinians were killed, and the city of Jenin was sealed off.
Q: Why did Israel launch the military operation?
A: Israel claims that the operation was necessary to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians and to dismantle Hamas and other militant groups.
Q: How many Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since the war began?
A: At least 652 Palestinians have been killed.
Q: What is the current status of the negotiations between Israel and Hamas?
A: The talks have repeatedly bogged down, with no sign of a breakthrough.
