Israel’s military operation in the occupied West Bank has intensified, marking the largest such action in over two decades. According to Palestinian medical sources, at least 17 Palestinians have been killed and more than 30 injured in the past 24 hours. The operation, which began on August 28, 2024, has primarily targeted the northern West Bank cities of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, as well as nearby refugee camps.The Israeli military has deployed a combination of ground troops, attack helicopters, and drones in what they describe as a ‘counter-terrorism operation’. Among those killed was Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, a local commander of the Islamic Jihad militant group. The Israeli army claims to have eliminated ‘five terrorists who were holed up in a mosque’ in Tulkarem.The United Nations has strongly condemned the operation, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describing it as ‘deeply concerning’ and ‘fuelling an already explosive situation’. The UN Human Rights Council has criticized the ‘increasingly military response’ of Israeli security forces, stating that the operation violates international law and risks further escalation.Palestinian health authorities report that the broader conflict has resulted in over 40,600 deaths in Gaza since October 7, 2023, with 68 fatalities in the last 24 hours alone. The situation has been described as a humanitarian crisis, with significant infrastructure damage and civilian displacement.As the operation continues, families of hostages held in Gaza have gathered at the border, using loudspeakers to call out to their loved ones in a desperate attempt to establish contact. The ongoing violence and its impact on civilians have raised serious concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
Key points
- Israel’s military operation in the West Bank has resulted in at least 17 Palestinian deaths and over 30 injuries in 24 hours.
- The UN has condemned the operation as a violation of international law, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing deep concern.
- Palestinian health authorities report over 40,600 deaths in Gaza since October 2023, highlighting the broader impact of the ongoing conflict.
Contradictions👾There are varying reports on the exact number of casualties, with some sources citing 17 deaths while others report up to 34.
👾The Israeli military claims to be targeting ‘armed terrorists’, while Palestinian sources and some international observers argue that civilians are being affected.
