Seven Killed, 35 Wounded in Israeli Attacks on Jenin as Violence escalates in the West Bank
The occupied West Bank witnessed a surge in violence on Tuesday as Israeli forces launched a large-scale operation in the city of Jenin, resulting in the deaths of at least seven Palestinians adn injuries to 35 others, according to the Palestinian Ministry of health.
The Israeli army described the operation as a “counterterrorism action,” involving soldiers, police, and intelligence services, though no further details were provided. The identities of those killed remain unclear, but the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) security forces spokesperson stated that Israeli forces “opened fire on civilians and security forces, resulting in injuries to several civilians and a number of security personnel, one of whom is in critical condition.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the operation as an effort to “eradicate terrorism,” while an Israeli military spokesperson revealed that the mission was codenamed the “Iron Wall.” Though, Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub condemned the action as “an invasion,” describing the scene as chaotic. “It came quickly,” he said. “Apache planes in the sky and Israeli military vehicles everywhere.”
The attack in Jenin, a city that has seen repeated Israeli raids and incursions in recent years, comes just days after a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip. It underscores the persistent threat of violence in the West Bank, where tensions remain high.
Before the Israeli operation, the PA’s security forces had been conducting a weeks-long campaign to reassert control over Jenin and its refugee camp. Last week, an Israeli air raid on the camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded many more.
The violence in Jenin follows a separate incident on Monday, where Israeli settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, set vehicles and properties on fire in West Bank villages, injuring at least 21 Palestinians. the Israeli military has since opened an investigation into the incident, which reportedly involved dozens of Israeli civilians, some wearing masks.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Casualties | 7 killed, 35 wounded |
| Operation Name | Iron Wall |
| Israeli Objective | “Eradicate terrorism” (Benjamin Netanyahu) |
| PA Response | Condemned as an “invasion” (Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub) |
| Recent Context | Ceasefire in Gaza, ongoing PA operations in Jenin, settler violence |
The escalating violence in Jenin highlights the fragile security situation in the West Bank, where clashes between Israeli forces, Palestinian groups, and settlers continue to fuel instability. As investigations into recent incidents unfold, the region remains on edge, with fears of further flare-ups looming large.
Headline:
Tensions Flare in Jenin: A Conversation wiht Palestinian affairs Expert, Dr. Amal Khalidi
Introduction:
The occupied West Bank braced for alarming escalations this week after an Israeli operation in Jenin resulted in seven fatalities and 35 wounded, marking a grim milestone in the ongoing regional conflict. To shed light on these events and their implications, World Today News sat down with Dr. Amal Khalidi, a prominent Middle East specialist and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Palestine Studies.
Interview
1. Operation “iron Wall” and the Casualties
World Today News (WTN): Dr. Khalidi, israeli forces launched a large-scale operation, codenamed “Iron Wall,” in Jenin. Can you contextualize this for us?
Dr. Amal khalidi (AK): Jenin has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a history of Israeli raids and palestinian resistance. The “Iron Wall” operation appears to be Israel’s response to recent incidents, though the Israeli military has not provided details on their targets or objectives beyond “counterterrorism.”
The casualties – seven killed and 35 wounded – are a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that some of the wounded are in critical condition, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
2. Israeli and Palestinian Narratives
WTN: Both Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) have released statements on the event. How do these narratives differ?
AK: Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has framed this operation as part of it’s efforts to “eradicate terrorism,” suggesting that targeted individuals were involved in militant activities. However, the Palestinian Authority’s security forces spokesperson has claimed that Israeli forces opened fire on civilians and security personnel, resulting in injuries and causing widespread chaos.
This difference in narratives underscores the deep-seated mistrust and disconnect between the two sides,making it challenging to find common ground for negotiation and de-escalation.
3.Escalating Tensions and the Ceasefire in Gaza
WTN: This operation follows a separate incident on Monday involving Israeli settlers and a recent ceasefire in Gaza. How does this fit into the broader picture of escalating tensions in the West Bank?
AK: Indeed, the situation in the West Bank has been increasingly combustible. The ceasefire in Gaza, while welcomed, did not address the underlying issues in the West Bank, where settlers’ aggression, Israeli military operations, and Palestinian resistance continue to fuel instability.
The violence in Jenin, coupled with the settler attacks on West Bank villages, demonstrates how quickly the situation can deteriorate. Unless there’s a serious effort to de-escalate tensions and address the root causes of violence, we can expect more flare-ups in the region.
4. International Response and the Way Forward
WTN: What role do you see for the international community in the wake of these events? And what steps can be taken to prevent further escalations?
AK: The international community has a crucial role to play in pressing all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that escalate tensions. Reconstructing diplomatic efforts towards a viable peace process should be a priority.
To prevent further escalations, parties need to exercise restraint, respect international law, and engage in sincere dialog towards resolving the underlying issues – namely, Israeli occupation, settlement expansion, and the denial of Palestinian rights.
