Deadly Israeli raid in Jenin leads to mass displacement, destruction

Israeli troops have persisted in their lethal operation in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, damaging infrastructure and displacing approximately 2,000 families.

On Wednesday, the actions involved clearing essential roads and followed a day after aerial and ground assaults resulted in the deaths of no less than 10 individuals throughout the Jenin governorate. Kamal Abu al-Rub, Jenin’s governor, was cited by the AFP news agency stating that conditions in Jenin were “very challenging.”

“The occupying forces have destroyed all the routes to the Jenin [refugee] camp and Jenin Government Hospital. … There are gunshots and blasts,” he noted.

As per al-Rub, Israeli troops additionally apprehended roughly 20 individuals from areas close to Jenin. The Israeli military stated in a Wednesday announcement that it conducted airstrikes on “terror infrastructure sites,” mentioning that “multiple explosives located along the paths” were “removed.” “The Israeli forces are persisting with the operation,” it noted. “Although my residence is 200 metres [220 yards] away from here, I couldn’t get to it.” “Many individuals are injured, including doctors, nurses, and patients,” he remarked.

“Three or four individuals were also hurt near my home, and no one could help them.” Israeli troops fired upon anyone who approached them. “Two sustained injuries while attempting to save them.”

The operation in Jenin, where the Israeli military has conducted numerous raids and significant incursions over recent years, occurs shortly after a ceasefire was implemented in the Gaza Strip and highlights the risk of additional violence in the West Bank.

Prior to the Israeli operation, the security forces of the Palestinian Authority conducted a prolonged campaign to regain control over the city of Jenin and its refugee camp.

“Some 2,000 families displaced since mid-December. UNRWA has been unable to provide full services to the camp in this time,” Roland Friedrich said on X.

UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese condemned what she called Israel’s “death machinery” and its attacks on Jenin.

“If it is not forced to stop, Israel’s genocide of Palestinians will not be confined to Gaza. Mark my words,” she said on X.

Israeli raids in the West Bank have escalated since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023. Nearly 900 people have been killed there and more than 9,700 arrested, according to local rights groups and health officials. Israeli troops also invaded the village of Deir Sammit, located west of Hebron, breaking into residences of inmates set to be freed as part of the initial stage of the Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The military also raided the Aida camp in Bethlehem to the south, initiating a large-scale arrest operation.

Wafa, the Palestinian news agency, stated that Israeli forces intensified security for the third straight day at nearly all entrances and exits of the governorates in the West Bank. Israeli operations in the West Bank have increased since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza on October 7, 2023. Local rights groups and health officials report that close to 900 individuals have died there and over 9,700 have been detained.