The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is under threat as Israel intensifies its military operations in the West Bank city of jenin, raising alarms from the United Nations. The UN has warned that the assault, which includes what it describes as “unneeded or disproportionate use of force,” could destabilize the already tense region. Thameen al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office, condemned the tactics employed by Israeli forces, labeling them as “deadly operations.”
The operation, dubbed “Iron wall,” has seen Israeli forces target a refugee camp in the heart of Jenin, besieging a nearby hospital and deploying military bulldozers to destroy several homes.According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa,hundreds of residents have fled the camp and surrounding areas since the operation began four days ago. “We are deeply concerned by the use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin,in the occupied West Bank,” Kheetan stated,criticizing the “methods and means developed for war fighting,in violation of human rights law.”
The UN human rights office has verified that more than 12 Palestinians have been killed and at least 40 injured as the assault began, with the majority reportedly unarmed. Medics at the governmental hospital near the camp reported that staff were wounded after being shot with live ammunition. Late on Friday, an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle near the West Bank town of Qabatiya killed two people, with the military claiming it targeted a “terrorist cell” but providing no further details.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the operation, stating its aim is to target Palestinian militants in the Jenin refugee camp to prevent attacks on Israeli territory. However, critics argue that Netanyahu is expanding the conflict to the West Bank to appease his far-right ally, Bezalel Smotrich, and maintain his ruling coalition. Smotrich has threatened to quit the government if Israel does not resume fighting in Gaza, further complicating the political landscape.
The situation in Jenin underscores the fragility of the ceasefire in Gaza and raises questions about the broader implications for regional stability.as the international community watches closely, the UN continues to call for restraint and adherence to human rights law to prevent further escalation.| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Location | Jenin, West Bank |
| Operation Name | Iron Wall |
| Casualties | 12+ killed, 40+ injured |
| UN Concerns | Unlawful lethal force, disproportionate tactics |
| political Context | Netanyahu accused of placating far-right allies |
The ongoing assault in Jenin highlights the complex interplay between military strategy, political alliances, and human rights concerns, casting a shadow over hopes for lasting peace in the region.Amid Gaza Ceasefire,Tensions Escalate in the West Bank as Protests Erupt in jerusalem
As the temporary ceasefire in Gaza brings a fragile pause to the violence,tensions in the West Bank are intensifying,with reports of increased military operations and settler attacks. Activists in Jerusalem are now voicing their concerns, demanding an end to what they describe as a growing assault on Palestinian towns.
A Shift in Focus: From Gaza to the west Bank
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Aseel Baidoun, a representative of Medical Aid for Palestinians in Ramallah, expressed her despair over the escalating situation. “Even as one door to peace is pushed slightly open, another starts to swing closed,” she said. “Not only are we confined by checkpoints and road closures, but people also face relentless attacks from Israeli settler mobs who act with impunity, backed by the full support of the Israeli army.”
Baidoun added, “Now that there is a suspension in Israel’s war on Palestinians in Gaza, it feels like the Israeli military is starting a war on us in the West Bank.”
Protests in Jerusalem: A Call for Peace
In central Jerusalem, dozens of activists gathered for a small but poignant protest. Holding signs decrying the ongoing violence during the gaza ceasefire, they chanted for an end to Israel’s military operations in the West Bank. One protester, captured in a photograph by Quique Kierszenbaum for The Guardian, held a sign that read, “Stop the War on Gaza and the West Bank.”
Michal Brody-Bareket, founder of the Mother’s cry group, was among the demonstrators. Her son has served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and she has been vocal in her opposition to the conflict. “I think they want us to have this endless war … it’s shocking,” she said. “Of course, this is political.”
Political Implications and the Ceasefire
The ceasefire in Gaza, which began in early March, has sparked political tensions within israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from hardline factions, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has threatened to bring down the government if the war does not resume. Smotrich reportedly described a potential second Trump administration as “an opportunity” for Israel to annex the West Bank.
“If, god forbid, the war is not resumed, I will bring the government down,” Smotrich told reporters earlier this week.
Key Developments at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Gaza Ceasefire | temporary pause in fighting, but tensions rise in the West Bank. |
| West Bank Crackdown | Increased military operations and settler attacks reported. |
| Jerusalem Protests | Activists demand an end to violence in Gaza and the West Bank. |
| Political Pressure | Hardline factions threaten to collapse Netanyahu’s government. |
A Fragile path Forward
As the ceasefire in Gaza remains precarious, the situation in the West Bank underscores the complexity of the conflict. For activists like Brody-Bareket and Baidoun, the fight for peace continues, even as new challenges emerge.
The international community watches closely, with many calling for a lasting resolution to the decades-long conflict. For now, the voices of protest in Jerusalem serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the urgent need for dialogue.
For more on the deepening crisis in the West Bank, read about the recent crackdown in Jenin here.Israel’s West Bank Operation Sparks Protests Amid Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Israeli police clashed with protesters in Tel Aviv as tensions escalated over the government’s military operations in the west Bank. Demonstrators accused Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his settler movement allies of pushing for conflict in the region, with one protester warning, “This will cost a lot of lives.”
The protest, which saw three arrests, was fueled by fears that the West Bank could become another Gaza. Tamar Cohen, a demonstrator, held a sign reading, “Refuse to fight in the war,” and stated, “What we’re doing in the West Bank in general seems like a plan to go back to the war in Gaza. They want to turn the West Bank into Gaza.”
The unrest comes as israel and Hamas prepare for the release of four Israeli female soldiers held hostage in Gaza. The exchange, part of a fragile six-week ceasefire deal, will see Palestinian prisoners freed from Israeli jails.This agreement follows Israel’s longest war on Gaza, which began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.Over 47,000 Palestinians have died in the 15-month conflict.Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, has urged an early start to the second stage of talks, which aim to end the war. Meanwhile, Israeli officials estimate that between a third and half of the remaining 90 hostages in Gaza have died. Families of the captives gathered in Tel Aviv to demand that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump ensure the release of all hostages.
“The worry that the deal won’t be fully implemented gnaws at us all,” said Vicky Cohen, mother of Nimrod Cohen, a soldier taken captive from the nahal Oz military base. “All senior officials openly say that stopping the deal means a death sentence for those left behind.”
Key Developments
| Event | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| west Bank Protests | Demonstrators accuse Smotrich of escalating conflict; three arrested. |
| Hostage Exchange | Four Israeli female soldiers to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. |
| Gaza War Toll | Over 47,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023. |
| Qatar’s Role | PM al-Thani pushes for early talks to end the war. |
| Hostage Concerns | Families demand Netanyahu and Trump ensure all hostages are freed. |
As the ceasefire remains precarious, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to the region.
Interview: Insights on Israel’s West Bank Operations and Gaza Ceasefire
Editor: the recent protests in Tel Aviv highlight growing tensions over Israel’s military operations in the West Bank. Can you elaborate on what’s driving these protests and the concerns of the demonstrators?
Guest: Absolutely. The protests are largely fueled by fears that the West Bank could become another Gaza. Demonstrators, including activists like Tamar Cohen, are deeply concerned about the escalating military operations and settler attacks in the region. They see these actions as part of a broader plan to reignite conflict, potentially leading to a devastating loss of life. The protesters are also critical of Israeli Finance Minister bezalel Smotrich and his allies,accusing them of pushing policies that exacerbate tensions rather than seeking peaceful solutions.
Editor: the ceasefire in Gaza seems fragile. How does this impact the situation in the West Bank?
Guest: The ceasefire in Gaza is indeed precarious, and it’s fragility has a direct impact on the West bank.While the temporary pause in fighting has provided some relief, it has also shifted attention to the West bank, where tensions are rising. Increased military operations and settler violence have been reported, creating a volatile environment.Many fear that if the ceasefire collapses, it could lead to a broader escalation, further destabilizing the region.
Editor: Ther’s been talk of a potential second Trump management being seen as an possibility for Israel to annex the West Bank. What are your thoughts on this?
Guest: This is a highly contentious issue. Some hardline factions within Israel, including figures like Smotrich, view a potential second Trump administration as an opportunity to push for annexation of the West Bank. They believe that under a trump presidency, the U.S. would be more supportive of such moves. However, this approach is deeply controversial and could lead to notable backlash, both domestically and internationally. Annexation would likely exacerbate tensions and make a peaceful resolution even more challenging to achieve.
Editor: The hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas is a significant development. Can you provide more details on this?
Guest: Certainly. The hostage exchange is part of a fragile six-week ceasefire deal. Four Israeli female soldiers held hostage in Gaza are set to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. This agreement comes after Israel’s longest war on Gaza, which began following Hamas’s october 7, 2023, attack. The conflict has resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths and significant casualties on both sides. Families of the hostages are understandably anxious, with many fearing that any disruption to the deal could be a death sentence for those still held captive.
Editor: What role is Qatar playing in these negotiations?
Guest: Qatar has been a key mediator in these talks. Prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has been actively pushing for an early start to the second stage of negotiations, which aim to bring an end to the war.Qatar’s involvement is crucial, as it has maintained channels of dialogue with both Israel and Hamas, helping to facilitate dialogue and broker agreements. However, the path to a lasting resolution remains fraught with challenges.
Editor: What are the main concerns of the families of the hostages?
Guest: The families are deeply worried about the safety and well-being of their loved ones. They fear that if the ceasefire deal is not fully implemented, it could result in the deaths of those still held captive. Vicky Cohen, the mother of a soldier taken hostage, expressed this concern poignantly, stating that stopping the deal would be a death sentence for those left behind.The families are calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump to ensure the release of all hostages and to prioritize their safe return.
Conclusion
The situation in Israel and the palestinian territories remains highly volatile,with the ceasefire in Gaza hanging by a thread and tensions escalating in the West Bank. Protests in Tel Aviv reflect widespread concerns about the potential for further conflict, while the hostage exchange offers a glimmer of hope for some families. The international community, including mediators like Qatar, continues to push for a lasting resolution, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. The voices of protest and the human cost of war serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and peace.
