Israel has initiated a significant military operation in Jenin, located in the occupied West Bank, named Operation Iron Wall. According to Palestinian authorities, nine people have been killed, and dozens injured.
The director of Jenin’s hospital reported that Israeli gunfire has hit medical staff. The city is known for its armed groups resisting the Israeli military occupation.
Prime Minister Netanyahu claims the operation targets militants linked to Iran, while Hamas accuses him of using the conflict to maintain power. It is unclear how many civilians or militants have been affected, and the Palestinian Authority (PA) does not differentiate between them in their statistics.
The PA has also carried out recent raids in Jenin, resulting in civilian casualties. The Israeli army’s operation includes airstrikes and uses drones, armored vehicles, and trucks, resembling a previous operation in September which caused significant destruction.
The army has not responded to accusations of targeting medical personnel or provided details on militant casualties or arrests. Palestinian media report multiple arrests across the West Bank.
Violence has escalated recently, with masked Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian villages, burning houses, and clashing with locals in response to an earlier attack by armed Palestinian militants near the illegal Kedumim settlement. Meanwhile, former President Trump has reversed sanctions previously imposed by President Biden on settlers and organizations in the West Bank, aligning with the demands of ultranationalist Israeli politicians.
This move has drawn criticism from the Palestinian Authority and analysts for potentially inciting further violence.
Source: NOS