Israeli Forces Launch Large Military Operation in Jenin, West Bank

Israeli Forces Launch Large Military Operation in Jenin, West Bank

Israeli forces have launched a major military operation in the city of Jenin in the northern West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and the injury of 25 others, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they initiated an “extensive counterterrorism effort” in the area, targeting “terrorist infrastructure.” Residents in Jenin reported hearing explosions and heavy gunfire, while videos from the scene showed wounded Palestinians being evacuated to the hospital.

Among the injured, seven are in critical condition, with most of the injuries being serious and in the upper part of the body, according to Mahmoud al-Saadi, director of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Jenin. The process of transferring the injured has been challenging due to the severity of their conditions. Footage shared with journalists indicated that operations were ongoing in parts of the Jenin refugee camp, with Israeli military vehicles present on the streets. However, the authenticity of the videos has not been independently verified by CNN.

The IDF stated that they targeted a joint operational command center for the Jenin Camp and members of the Jenin Brigade, a Palestinian militant group associated with Islamic Jihad. The command center served as an advanced observation and reconnaissance center, as well as a gathering place for armed terrorists before and after their activities. The camp was also identified as a site for weapons, explosives, and a hub for coordination and communication among terrorists. The IDF reported seizing explosive devices during the operation, which was conducted in coordination with the Israel Securities Authority.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the IDF has been operating against terror hotspots in Jenin and warned that anyone who harms Israeli citizens will face severe consequences. He assured that Israel’s defense establishment is prepared for every scenario and closely monitoring the actions of their enemies. The Jenin Brigade claimed to have severely damaged at least one Israeli military vehicle using improvised explosive devices and continued to clash with Israeli forces to prevent their advance into the camp.

In response to the Israeli operations in Jenin, Palestinian Islamic Jihad vowed to face their enemy with all possible retaliation options. They declared that the aggression on Jenin will not achieve its targets and that they will not surrender. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the large-scale Israeli military operation, labeling it a new war crime. He stressed that security and stability in the region cannot be achieved unless the Palestinian people feel it, and criticized the Israeli occupation government for its actions in Jenin.

This recent raid comes less than two weeks after another Israeli military operation in Jenin resulted in a massive firefight, leaving five Palestinians dead and dozens wounded. Eight Israeli troops were injured but successfully evacuated, according to the IDF. Additionally, a 21-year-old man named Muhammed Hassanein was shot and killed by Israeli forces at the northern entrance of Al-Bireh near Ramallah in the West Bank, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The IDF has not yet commented on this incident.

CNN’s AnneClaire Stapleton and Mike Schwartz contributed to this report.

How is the Israeli Defense Forces addressing the concerns of human rights organizations regarding the potential harm to civilians in their operation in Jenin?

Nating attacks against Israeli targets.

The Israeli operation in Jenin is part of a broader effort to maintain security and combat terrorism in the West Bank. The IDF has been carrying out regular operations in the area to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians and security forces. The recent escalation in violence comes as tensions continue to simmer between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli operation, accusing the IDF of “escalating aggression and provocation.” The Palestinian leadership called for international intervention to protect the Palestinian people and hold Israel accountable for its actions.

The situation in Jenin remains tense, with residents expressing fear and concern for their safety. Human rights organizations have called for an immediate halt to the Israeli operation and the protection of civilians.

The Israeli Defense Forces have stated that their military operations in Jenin are necessary to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens and to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. They have emphasized their commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and have warned that any attempt to hinder their operations will be met with a firm response.

As the situation unfolds, international attention will continue to focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for a sustainable resolution that addresses the underlying grievances of both sides. The current escalation underscores the urgency of finding a comprehensive and peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.