- Israeli forces launch “Iron Wall” operation in Jenin, resulting in nine Palestinian deaths and 35 injuries.
- Palestinian officials report heavy airstrikes, armed incursions, and widespread destruction in Jenin refugee camp.
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad urge retaliation, escalating tensions across the West Bank following the raid.
Nine Palestinians have been killed and 35 others injured in a large-scale operation by Israeli forces in Jenin, a city in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
The operation involved air strikes and ground incursions as Israeli troops, supported by drones, helicopters, and armoured bulldozers, moved into Jenin and its refugee camp. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as “extensive and significant,” aimed at “defeating terrorism” in what is regarded as a stronghold for Palestinian armed groups.
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This escalation follows a recently brokered ceasefire in Gaza and underscores the volatile situation in the West Bank, where violence persists. On the same night, suspected Israeli settlers reportedly rampaged through nearby Palestinian communities.
Kamal Abu al-Rub, governor of Jenin, called the events an “invasion of the camp,” with military vehicles and Apache helicopters dominating the area. Local sources reported by the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, said Israeli forces had encircled the camp, dug up roads with bulldozers, and engaged in heavy gunfire, injuring several, including medical staff.
Israeli troops reportedly targeted armed group infrastructure and eliminated perceived threats, with the operation dubbed “Iron Wall.” The Israeli government accuses Iran of funding and arming militant factions in the West Bank, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, to destabilize the region. The military has stated the operation will continue “as long as necessary.”
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In response, the Palestinian Authority condemned the raid as part of ongoing “aggressive measures” against Palestinians. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad called for retaliatory action, urging West Bank residents to escalate attacks on Israeli targets.
