The Israeli military has announced an extension of its offensive operation in the occupied West Bank, particularly focusing on the city of Jenin. This announcement comes on the 43rd day of the operation, which the military describes as a counterterrorism measure aimed at addressing perceived threats from local militant groups.
During a recent raid in Jenin, Israeli forces reported the killing of three individuals identified as militants, while Palestinian officials have confirmed only two fatalities. The military named the deceased as a local Hamas leader and another member of a militant group, stating they died during an exchange of gunfire. A third individual was reportedly shot after he posed a threat during a subsequent inspection of the area, according to the military.
Local officials, including Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub, disputed some of the military’s claims, affirming the deaths of two Palestinians, one of whom was identified as Aser Saadi, a 21-year-old associated with Hamas. Palestinian health representatives indicated that the other deceased was a 25-year-old man named Jihad Alawneh, who succumbed to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound.
The raid has reportedly resulted in extensive damage and devastation in the eastern neighborhoods of Jenin. Governor Abu al-Rub detailed the operation’s impact, stating that significant destruction occurred, and essential infrastructure such as the main electricity line was severed. Consequently, dozens of families were forced to evacuate their homes amid chaotic conditions, with army bulldozers causing further destruction to residential areas.
According to eyewitness accounts, the military’s actions have left parts of Jenin in disarray, with reports of Israeli troops still present in the region during subsequent inspections. An AFP journalist noted that local firefighters battled blazes resulting from the recent military engagement, with extensive damage reported to civilian apartments.
The Israeli offensive in the northern West Bank began on January 21, targeting refugee camps long viewed as strongholds for Palestinian militancy. This strategy has reportedly led to the displacement of tens of thousands of residents, marking a significant escalation in military operations in the area, which had seen the deployment of Israeli tanks for the first time in two decades.
As the military operation continues, reports indicate a climate of fear and uncertainty among local residents, as many are left grappling with the aftermath of heightened military aggression. Some residents described being coerced to vacate their homes within moments, highlighting the urgency and severity of the ongoing situation.
This intensified military operation, which the Israeli forces have termed “Iron Wall,” was launched shortly after a ceasefire in Gaza, underlining the complex and often volatile dynamics of the region. The Israeli military’s regular raids in the West Bank have attracted significant attention, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions related to the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which remains unresolved since Israel’s occupation began in 1967.
