Skip to content 
In a series of overnight raids and strikes across the northern occupied West Bank, Israeli forces have conducted what is being described as their largest military operation in the region since 2002. The operation has resulted in the deaths of at least ten Palestinians and left fifteen others wounded, according to reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Read also: President Zardari Calls for Decisive Action Against Terrorism in Balochistan
The Israeli army announced early Wednesday that they were carrying out an “operation to thwart terrorism in Jenin and Tulkarm,” two areas in the northern West Bank that have been focal points of tension in recent months. This military action comes amid escalating violence in the region and growing concerns about the humanitarian situation for Palestinian residents.
Ahmed Jibril, a spokesman for the Red Crescent, provided a breakdown of the casualties. Two Palestinians were killed in the city of Jenin, four others lost their lives in a nearby village, and an additional four were killed in a refugee camp near the town of Tubas. The fifteen wounded individuals are receiving medical attention, though the severity of their injuries remains unclear.
Local sources across various cities and towns in the occupied West Bank have confirmed to Al Jazeera that three separate strikes occurred in different locations overnight. This information paints a picture of a widespread and coordinated military effort by Israeli forces.
The scale of this operation is significant, drawing comparisons to the large-scale raids conducted by Israeli forces during the Second Intifada in 2002. Hundreds of troops are reportedly involved in this current action, indicating the seriousness with which the Israeli military is approaching this operation.
One particularly concerning development is the situation at a hospital in Jenin. According to the Jenin governor, the director of one of the city’s hospitals was informed that the Israeli army intends to raid the medical facility. As a result, an evacuation order has been issued for the hospital, which houses 200 employees and 150 patients. This potential raid on a medical facility raises serious questions about the protection of civilian infrastructure during military operations and the adherence to international humanitarian law.
The targeting of hospitals is especially troubling given past incidents where undercover Israeli units have entered medical facilities to arrest or, in some cases, kill Palestinians. Such actions have been widely condemned by international human rights organizations and have contributed to the ongoing tensions in the region.
The Israeli military has stated that this operation could last for several days, suggesting that the situation in the West Bank may continue to deteriorate. This prolonged military presence is likely to have significant impacts on the daily lives of Palestinian residents, potentially restricting movement, access to essential services, and economic activities.
The international community will be closely watching the developments in the West Bank, particularly given the potential for further escalation of violence. Human rights organizations and diplomatic missions may call for restraint and the protection of civilian lives and infrastructure.
This latest operation comes against a backdrop of increasing violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Over the past year, there has been a marked increase in Israeli military raids in the West Bank, as well as attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. The cycle of violence has led to numerous casualties on both sides and has further strained the already tense relationship between Israeli authorities and Palestinian residents of the occupied territories.
The situation in the West Bank remains fluid, with the potential for further casualties and wider regional implications. As the Israeli operation continues, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on civilian populations, the response of Palestinian authorities and militant groups, and any potential diplomatic interventions aimed at de-escalating the situation.
The international community, including regional powers and global organizations like the United Nations, may need to intervene to prevent further loss of life and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of this latest escalation and its long-term implications for peace and stability in the region.
