Urgent: Israel Expands Military Campaign Amid Rising Tensions in Occupied Territories
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians and the sealing off of the volatile city of Jenin, according to Palestinian officials. This move marks one of the most intense operations in the region since the conflict with Hamas began in October.
Operation Details
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been conducting near-daily raids across the West Bank following Hamas’ October 7th attack from Gaza, which triggered the ongoing war. Israel has stated that these operations aim to root out militants and prevent further attacks on its citizens. However, Palestinians in the West Bank express growing fears that Israel intends to broaden the conflict and displace them forcibly.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesman, confirmed that “large forces” had entered Jenin, Tulkarem, and the Al-Faraa refugee camp—areas known for being militant strongholds. Shoshani reported that the nine casualties were all militants, with three killed in an airstrike in Tulkarem and another four in Al-Faraa. Additionally, five suspected militants were arrested as part of what Shoshani described as the first stage of a broader operation to prevent attacks on Israelis.
Palestinian Response and Casualties
Palestinian militant groups reported engaging in firefights with Israeli troops during the raids. Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, told Palestinian radio that Israeli forces had effectively besieged the city, blocking entry and exit points, restricting access to hospitals, and damaging critical infrastructure.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that Israeli forces had obstructed roads leading to hospitals with dirt barriers and surrounded other medical facilities in Jenin. Shoshani defended the military’s actions, stating they were aimed at preventing militants from using hospitals as shelters.
Tensions and International Reactions
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz compared the situation in the West Bank to that of Gaza, advocating for similar measures to counter the perceived threat. Katz emphasized the need to address the problem with the same intensity, including the temporary evacuation of Palestinian residents if necessary. Shoshani, however, stated that there were no immediate plans to evacuate civilians from the area.
Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, called on Palestinians in the West Bank to rise, accusing Israel of expanding the war and blaming the escalation on U.S. support for Israel. The group also urged security forces loyal to the Palestinian Authority to join what they termed the “sacred battle.”
Palestinian Authority’s Stance
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the Israeli raids as a “serious escalation” and called on the United States to intervene. Abbas, who was visiting Saudi Arabia, said he would cut his trip short and return to the West Bank in response. The Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas, has been in a delicate position, trying to maintain control and stability in the West Bank while also facing pressure from militant groups like Hamas to take a more aggressive stance against Israel.
Human Toll: since the onset of the war in Gaza over ten months ago, at least 652 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli forces, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most of these deaths occurred during raids that frequently led to gunbattle between Israeli troops and militants.
Background and Ongoing Conflict
Israel seized the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek all three territories for a future independent state. Over 500,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank, holding Israeli citizenship. In contrast, the 3 million Palestinians in the region live under Israeli military rule with limited autonomy granted to the Palestinian Authority.
The conflict intensified on October 7th when Hamas-led militants infiltrated southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of around 250. The ongoing Israeli offensive has led to over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, with extensive displacement and destruction in Gaza.
Despite ongoing efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, no significant progress has been made. Talks have now moved to Qatar, with no immediate signs of a breakthrough.
Conclusion
As the conflict enters a more intense phase, the situation in the West Bank remains tense, with further escalations looming. The international community continues to watch closely as diplomatic efforts to halt the violence struggle to gain traction.