Escalation in Jenin: Israeli military operation claims lives

Tuesday 21 January 2025 - 14:33

At least seven Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military operation in Jenin, a city in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The operation, described as a counterterrorism action by Israeli forces, involved soldiers, police, and intelligence services. However, further details were not disclosed.

The identities of those killed have not yet been confirmed. The health ministry reported that 35 individuals sustained injuries in the assault. A spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) security forces accused Israeli forces of targeting both civilians and security personnel, resulting in numerous injuries, with one security officer in critical condition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation aimed to “eradicate terrorism,” while a military spokesperson referred to the mission as “Iron Wall.”

Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub criticized the operation as an “invasion,” describing the sudden and overwhelming presence of Apache helicopters and military vehicles throughout the city.

This attack, one of many conducted by the Israeli military in Jenin in recent years, follows a recently established ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, raising concerns about further violence in the West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority had already been conducting operations in Jenin and its refugee camp in an effort to restore control over the area. Last week, an Israeli airstrike on the refugee camp claimed the lives of three Palestinians and left many others injured.

On Monday, Israeli settlers reportedly set vehicles and properties ablaze under military protection, injuring at least 21 Palestinians across the West Bank. The Israeli military stated it has launched an investigation into these events, which involved masked civilians.