Israel’s military operation in the West Bank, dubbed ‘Summer Camps’, has intensified since August 28, resulting in at least 20 Palestinian deaths. The operation, described as the most comprehensive attack on refugee camps in the northern West Bank since the 2002 Second Intifada, has targeted areas in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas. Palestinian health authorities report that over 660 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war.The escalation has drawn sharp international criticism. The United Nations, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the Israeli operation, emphasizing the need to protect civilians.Humanitarian aid efforts have been severely impacted by the conflict. A US-based charity, Anera, reported that an Israeli strike hit its aid convoy in Gaza, killing four unarmed Palestinian guards. This incident, along with a similar attack on a World Food Programme convoy, has led to the temporary suspension of some aid movements in Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society stated that three of their vehicles were attacked by Israeli soldiers in Jenin, injuring three health workers.The ongoing violence and the Palestinian Authority’s perceived inability to protect civilians have led to increased support for armed resistance among Palestinians. Ahmed Ghuneim, a local leader of the Fatah faction, warned, ‘We are in the face of a very critical situation. I think an uprising is knocking on the door in the West Bank’. This sentiment reflects growing frustration and could potentially lead to further escalation of the conflict.
Key points
- Israel’s ‘Summer Camps’ operation in the West Bank has resulted in at least 20 Palestinian deaths since August 28.
- Humanitarian aid efforts have been severely impacted, with attacks on convoys resulting in casualties.
- International criticism of Israel’s actions is growing, with calls for an immediate halt to the operation.
- There are fears of a potential uprising in the West Bank due to increasing support for armed resistance.
Contradictions👾While most sources report 20 Palestinian deaths in the recent Israeli operation, one source mentions 18 deaths.
This discrepancy could be due to different reporting times or varying definitions of operation-related casualties.
