Israel’s military operation in the occupied West Bank has escalated, with the death toll rising to at least 20 Palestinians since August 28. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Wissam al-Hazem, identified as the Hamas commander in Jenin, along with two other militants. The operation, described by Israel as a counter-terrorism effort, has involved airstrikes, armored convoys, and drone attacks in cities including Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas.The Palestinian Health Ministry reports significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Eyewitnesses describe Israeli forces preventing ambulances from reaching wounded individuals, raising humanitarian concerns. The operation has drawn international condemnation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for an ‘immediate end’ to the operation and expressing deep concern over the loss of civilian lives.Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains critical. Reports have emerged of Israeli forces targeting humanitarian convoys, including one organized by the American non-profit ‘Anera’, resulting in five deaths despite prior coordination. The World Food Programme has temporarily suspended its operations in Gaza after one of its vehicles was hit with live bullets. These incidents have further complicated aid efforts in a region where, according to the UN, the situation has ‘gone beyond what any human being should endure’.In a development that could provide some relief, the World Health Organization announced that Israel has agreed to a series of three-day ‘humanitarian pauses’ in parts of Gaza, starting Sunday, to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that these pauses do not constitute a ceasefire.The ongoing violence has raised serious concerns about regional stability and the prospects for peace. 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.
Key points
- Israel’s military operation in the West Bank has resulted in at least 20 Palestinian deaths, including Hamas commander Wissam al-Hazem.
- Humanitarian efforts in Gaza face significant challenges, with reports of attacks on aid convoys and temporary suspensions of aid operations.
- Israel has agreed to three-day ‘humanitarian pauses’ in parts of Gaza for a polio vaccination campaign, though these are not considered a ceasefire.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports on the exact number of Palestinian casualties, with figures ranging from 16 to 20.
👾While Israel claims to be targeting terrorist infrastructure, Palestinian sources report significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.