The Israeli Military Withdraws from Militant Stronghold in the West Bank

The Israeli military has completed a two-day operation in the occupied West Bank, withdrawing its troops from a militant stronghold. The intense operation resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier, as well as causing significant damage to the area.

Operation in Jenin Refugee Camp

The Israeli army claimed to have inflicted heavy damage on militant groups in the Jenin refugee camp through a series of airstrikes and ground troop movements. However, the long-term impact of this operation remains uncertain after years of ongoing conflict in the West Bank.

Prime Minister’s Statement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to a military post near Jenin, stated that similar operations would be carried out if necessary. He emphasized the country’s commitment to eradicating terrorism wherever it is found.

Intensity of the Operation

The Jenin raid stands as one of the most intense Israeli military operations in the West Bank since the end of an armed Palestinian uprising against Israel’s occupation two decades ago. Israel has been conducting near-daily raids in the West Bank since early 2022 in response to deadly Palestinian attacks, citing the weakness of the Palestinian Authority as a reason for their necessity.

The Palestinians argue that such violence is a result of decades of occupation and the absence of a political process with Israel. They also point to the increased construction of West Bank settlements and violence by extremist settlers.

Military Actions and Palestinian Response

Israel targeted the Jenin camp, known as a long-time bastion of Palestinian militants, aiming to destroy and confiscate weapons. Military bulldozers caused extensive damage to roads and buildings, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents. The military claimed that booby traps necessitated the use of bulldozers.

During the operation, thousands of weapons, bomb-making materials, and money caches were confiscated, with weapons found both in militant hideouts and civilian areas, including a mosque.

After the withdrawal, a Hamas militant carried out a car ramming and stabbing attack at a crowded bus stop in Tel Aviv, injuring eight people. Additionally, militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza fired rockets towards Israel, which were intercepted. Israel responded by striking several sites in Gaza.

Humanitarian Concerns and Criticism

The operation has led to a significant rise in violence and has raised concerns from humanitarian organizations. Doctors Without Borders accused the Israeli army of firing tear gas into a hospital, compromising emergency treatment. The U.N.’s human rights chief highlighted the operation’s scale and its impact on international human rights norms and standards, particularly the right to life.

Residents in the Jenin camp reported incidents of forced entry into homes, as well as restrictions on access to food and medical help, ultimately resulting in passage to a hospital.

Protests and Overall Context

Palestinians across the West Bank participated in a general strike to protest the Israeli raid. This operation reflects Israeli military tactics from the early 2000s, particularly during the second Palestinian uprising. However, there are differences in terms of the operation’s limited scope.

Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Mideast war, territories that the Palestinians seek for their hoped-for independent state.