The Israeli army’s military operation, dubbed “The Iron Wall,” has entered its third day in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank. The operation has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with 12 Palestinians killed and 40 others injured by Israeli army gunfire as its inception [1].
The al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for detonating an explosive device targeting an Israeli bulldozer near the Jenin Cinema in the city center. Meanwhile,the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that an elderly Palestinian was hospitalized after being shot by Israeli forces on Thursday morning [2].
Hundreds of families have been displaced from the Jenin camp over the past two days, seeking refuge in surrounding villages and towns. Eyewitnesses described the army setting up checkpoints and using iris fingerprint technology to verify identities before allowing people to leave. Ashraf Masalmeh,a resident fleeing the camp,described the situation as “very frightening,” with frequent explosions and military vehicles patrolling the streets. He also noted the presence of small drones in the camp’s alleys, areas the army has yet to enter [3].
Masalmeh cited the lack of food, water, and medicine as reasons for his departure, expressing fear about what the coming days might bring. The ongoing operation has left the camp in a state of chaos,with residents struggling to cope with the violence and displacement.
Key Points of the Operation
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Operation Name | The Iron Wall |
| Location | Jenin city and refugee camp, northern West Bank |
| Duration | 3 days (as of January 23, 2025) |
| Casualties | 12 killed, 40 injured |
| Displacement | Hundreds of families displaced |
| Notable Incident | Explosive device detonated by Al-Qassam Brigades near Jenin Cinema |
| Eyewitness Account | “Very frightening” situation with explosions, drones, and military vehicles|
The situation in Jenin remains tense as the Israeli army continues its operation, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty and fear. For more updates on the ongoing developments, stay tuned to reliable news sources.Displacement and Destruction in jenin: UNRWA Reports on Humanitarian Crisis
The Jenin refugee camp, a long-standing symbol of Palestinian resilience, is now facing unprecedented challenges as thousands of families have been displaced due to ongoing military operations.According to Roland Frederick, Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), approximately 2,000 families have fled the camp since mid-December, leaving it “barely fit for habitation.”
Frederick attributed the mass displacement to “more than a month of armed clashes inside the Jenin camp between the Palestinian security forces and the Palestinian armed forces.” These clashes have severely disrupted UNRWA’s ability to provide essential services, with the agency unable to deliver full support since the middle of last month.
The situation escalated further when Israel launched a military operation against the camp, employing “advanced weapons and advanced methods of warfare, including air strikes,” as Frederick described. This operation, part of what Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz termed the “Iron Wall” initiative, aims to dismantle what he called “the terrorist infrastructure in the Jenin camp.” Katz emphasized that the operation would continue “vigorously” to ensure the camp does not become “a den of killers and a hotbed for terrorist attacks.”
The humanitarian toll of these operations is stark. Families who once called Jenin home are now scattered, seeking refuge in safer areas. The camp, already struggling with overcrowding and limited resources, has been further devastated by the recent violence.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Displaced Families | Approximately 2,000 families displaced since mid-December |
| UNRWA’s Role | Unable to provide full services due to ongoing clashes |
| Israeli Operation | Use of advanced weapons and air strikes under the “Iron Wall” initiative |
| Israeli Stance | Aim to dismantle “terrorist infrastructure” in Jenin |
The crisis in Jenin underscores the broader challenges faced by Palestinian refugees in the region. As the international community watches,the need for immediate humanitarian aid and a lasting resolution to the conflict becomes increasingly urgent.
For more updates on the situation in Jenin,follow UNRWA’s official updates and stay informed about the ongoing efforts to address this humanitarian crisis.
Image Source: EPAnTwo gunmen were killed in a four-hour operation carried out by Israeli forces in the town of Burqin, west of Jenin, last Wednesday night. The operation, which involved the israeli army, the Shin Bet security service, and the Duvdovan – Musta’aribin unit, included an exchange of fire and the besieging of a house in the town. The two gunmen inside the besieged house were killed during the operation.
The Israeli army stated that the two gunmen were the perpetrators of the “hotel operation,” which took place near Qalqilya more than two weeks ago and resulted in the death of three israelis. The army noted that the gunmen belonged to the Islamic Jihad movement.During the operation, a soldier was moderately wounded.
However,the Al-qassam Brigades,the military wing of the Hamas movement,announced in a statement the killing of two of its members. The statement did not provide further details about the circumstances of their deaths.
The “hotel operation” near Qalqilya, which occurred more than two weeks ago, was a significant event that led to heightened tensions in the region. The operation resulted in the death of three Israelis and prompted a swift response from israeli forces.
The recent operation in Burqin is part of a broader effort by Israeli forces to target individuals and groups involved in attacks against Israelis. The involvement of the Shin Bet and the Duvdovan – Musta’aribin unit highlights the coordinated approach taken by Israeli security forces in such operations.The situation in the West Bank remains tense, with ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups. The killing of the two gunmen in Burqin is likely to further escalate tensions in the region.
Key Points Summary
| Event | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Burqin, west of Jenin |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Involved Units | Israeli army, Shin Bet, Duvdovan - Musta’aribin unit |
| Outcome | Two gunmen killed, one soldier moderately wounded |
| Affiliation | Islamic Jihad movement (according to israeli army) |
| Related Event | “Hotel operation” near Qalqilya, resulting in the death of three Israelis |
The ongoing conflict in the West Bank continues to be a source of significant concern, with both sides experiencing casualties and heightened tensions. The recent operation in Burqin underscores the volatile nature of the situation and the challenges faced by both Israeli and Palestinian communities.
Israeli Forces Clash with Gunmen in Burqin, Demolish house in West Bank Operation
In a tense escalation in the West Bank, Israeli forces clashed with gunmen in the town of Burqin, west of Jenin, leading to the demolition of a house and the confirmation of the suspects’ involvement in a recent “hotel operation.” The incident unfolded as the Israeli army surrounded a residence,demanding the surrender of the armed individuals inside. When the gunmen refused, violent clashes erupted, culminating in the targeted destruction of the property.
Eyewitnesses reported that the army fired several shoulder-launched shells at the house, igniting a fire. A bulldozer was then deployed to demolish the structure, leveling it to the ground. The Red Crescent Society confirmed that a 60-year-old man, the owner of the house, was injured during the operation and received medical attention.
The Israeli army identified the gunmen as Qutaiba Walid Al-Shalabi and Muhammad Asaad Nazzal,linking them to the “hotel operation.” this incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, where military operations and clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants have become increasingly frequent.
israeli Army Tightens Security Measures in Ramallah and Surrounding Areas
In a parallel progress, the Israeli army intensified its military presence in Ramallah and the central West Bank. According to the Palestinian News Agency,Wafa,Israeli forces established multiple checkpoints in Ramallah,al-Bireh,and surrounding towns,substantially disrupting daily life.
checkpoints were set up at key locations, including the entrance to the city of Rawabi, the Ain Sinya checkpoint north of Ramallah, and the town of Aboud. These measures led to a “suffocating traffic crisis,” forcing residents to seek option routes. Additionally,the gate to the village of Nabi Saleh was closed,compelling locals to travel long distances to reach their destinations.
The Israeli army also arrested three palestinians during operations in the towns of Silwad and Kobar, as well as the village of Ramoun. In a related move, military measures were tightened at checkpoints surrounding Jerusalem, including Qalandiya, Jaba’, Shuafat Camp, and Container. two more Palestinians were arrested at the Awarta and Beit Furik checkpoints south and east of Nablus.
Key Developments in the West Bank
| Location | Event | Outcome |
|———————–|—————————————————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Burqin, Jenin | Clashes between Israeli forces and gunmen | House demolished, one injured, suspects linked to “hotel operation” |
| Ramallah | Checkpoints established, military measures tightened | Traffic crisis, arrests made, residents forced to take alternative routes |
| Surrounding Jerusalem| Military measures intensified at Qalandiya, Jaba’, Shuafat Camp, Container| Two Palestinians arrested |
The recent events highlight the escalating tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations and Palestinian resistance continue to shape the region’s volatile landscape. As both sides grapple with security challenges, the impact on civilians remains a pressing concern.
Fatah Accuses Hamas of Contradictory Policies Amid Rising Tensions
The Palestinian national Liberation Movement, fatah, has strongly criticized Hamas, accusing the rival faction of adopting contradictory policies that undermine Palestinian unity. In a statement issued by its official spokesman, abdel Fattah Dawla, Fatah denounced what it called “the strange positions and statements issued by the Hamas movement,” asserting that they “reflect a clear contradiction in its orientations and policy.”
The statement highlighted Hamas’s “unprecedented adaptability and great concessions” to Israel, aimed at preserving its authority in the Gaza Strip, while together “granting every justification for the destruction of the West Bank.” Fatah argued that this “dubious approach” aligns with a “suspicious media campaign” led by Al Jazeera and other parties whose positions allegedly support Israel’s objectives in the region.
Fatah called on Hamas to “review its positions and stop providing pretexts to the occupation to undermine national unity and perpetuate division.” The statement emphasized the need for cohesion among Palestinian factions, notably in the face of escalating violence in the West Bank.
The criticism comes in response to a statement issued by Hamas on Wednesday, in which the group accused the Palestinian Authority’s security services of collaborating with Israel during a recent military operation in Jenin and its camp.Hamas condemned what it described as “the continued shedding of Palestinian blood at the hands of the authorities’ agencies in the West Bank,” alleging that the PA had besieged Al-Razi Hospital,pursued resistance fighters,and arrested the injured.
The exchange of accusations between the two factions underscores the deepening rift within Palestinian politics, as both sides grapple with internal divisions and external pressures.
Key Points of Contention
| Issue | Fatah’s Position | Hamas’s Position |
|——————————–|————————————————————————————-|————————————————————————————-|
| Relations with Israel | Accuses Hamas of making concessions to Israel to maintain control in Gaza. | Accuses Fatah of collaborating with Israel in military operations in the West Bank. |
| Media Campaigns | Criticizes Al Jazeera and other media for supporting Israel’s objectives. | No direct response to media allegations. |
| National Unity | Calls on Hamas to stop actions that perpetuate division. | Accuses Fatah of undermining resistance efforts. |
The ongoing tensions between Fatah and Hamas have significant implications for the Palestinian cause, particularly as violence in the West Bank continues to escalate. Both factions face mounting pressure to reconcile their differences and present a united front against Israeli policies.
For more insights into the complexities of Palestinian politics, explore our analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on regional stability.
What are your thoughts on the growing divide between Fatah and Hamas? Share your viewpoint in the comments below.
Summary:
- Burqin Clash: Israeli forces clashed with gunmen in Burqin, Jenin. The gunmen were suspected too be involved in a recent attack near Qalqilya. The army demolished a house where the gunmen were suspected to be hiding. One civilian was injured, and two gunmen were killed. The Israeli army identified the gunmen as Qutaiba Walid Al-Shalabi and Muhammad Asaad Nazzal, linking them to the “hotel operation.”
- Security Tightening in West Bank: Israeli forces established multiple checkpoints in Ramallah, al-Bireh, and surrounding areas, causing significant traffic disruptions. Military measures were also intensified at checkpoints around Jerusalem.During these operations, the Israeli army arrested several Palestinians.
- Fatah Criticizes Hamas: Fatah,the Palestinian national Liberation Movement,accuse Hamas of adopting contradictory policies that undermine Palestinian unity.Fatah denounces what it sees as Hamas’s concessions to Israel while trying to maintain its authority in the Gaza Strip.
