Israeli military offensive on Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank

Wednesday 22 January 2025 - 11:07

The Israeli military has conducted a deadly raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, resulting in multiple casualties. Palestinian health authorities report that at least 10 people have been killed and 35 others wounded during the operation, which began in the early hours of Tuesday and is expected to last several days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation, dubbed "Iron Wall," as an effort to eliminate terrorism from the area. The Palestinian Red Crescent indicated that its medical teams treated seven individuals wounded by live ammunition, with Israeli forces reportedly impeding access to the area.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urged for "maximum restraint" from security forces, expressing ongoing concern over the situation. Israeli human rights group B’Tselem criticized the government for using the Gaza ceasefire as an opportunity to intensify its repression of Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, which has faced increasing raids in recent months.

Jenin's governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, described the operation as an "invasion" of the refugee camp, citing the presence of Apache helicopters and Israeli military vehicles throughout the area. A Palestinian security spokesperson confirmed that Israeli forces had fired on both civilians and security personnel, leaving several injured, including one in critical condition.

Analysts speculate that the raid may also serve to shift public attention away from recent resignations among Israeli military commanders following their failure to prevent the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. The attack in Jenin, which could continue for an extended period, is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Israeli government to redirect focus amid domestic challenges.