Israel has launched its largest military operation in the West Bank in over 20 years, resulting in at least 10 Palestinian deaths and numerous injuries. The operation, which began on August 28, 2024, targets the northern West Bank cities of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, as well as refugee camps in these areas.Israeli forces have deployed a combination of ground troops, attack helicopters, drones, and snipers in what they describe as a ‘counter-terrorism operation’. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that among the casualties, five people were killed in the El-Faria Refugee Camp near Tubas, two in Jenin, and three in a vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone strike.The Israeli military has sealed off Jenin, blocking access roads and surrounding hospitals in both Jenin and Tulkarem. This has impeded the efforts of medical personnel to reach the injured, with the Palestinian Red Crescent reporting difficulties in accessing affected areas.Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has made controversial statements regarding the operation, suggesting that Palestinians in the West Bank should be ‘removed from their homes en masse, just like in Gaza’. Katz cited concerns about Iran’s alleged attempts to establish a ‘terrorist front’ in the West Bank.Palestinian factions have responded to the Israeli operation with calls for resistance. Hamas has called for a ‘popular uprising’ in the West Bank, describing the operation as an attempt to ‘impose a new reality on the ground to annex the West Bank’.The international community has expressed concern over the escalation, with some considering it a violation of international law. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the attacks, labeling them as part of a ‘comprehensive war’ against the Palestinian people.This operation occurs against the backdrop of ongoing violence in the region since October 7, 2023. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 652 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since that date.
Key points
- Israel has launched its largest military operation in the West Bank in over 20 years, resulting in at least 10 Palestinian deaths.
- The operation targets Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, using ground troops, helicopters, drones, and snipers.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has suggested evacuating West Bank residents, drawing parallels to actions in Gaza.
- Palestinian factions, including Hamas, have called for resistance against the Israeli operation.
- The international community has expressed concern, with some viewing the operation as a violation of international law.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported death toll, with some sources citing 9 casualties while others report 10.
👾The exact motivation for the operation is disputed, with Israeli sources citing counter-terrorism efforts, while Palestinian sources describe it as an attempt at annexation.
