At least 10 Palestinians, including a child, have been killed and 40 injured in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin following a “large-scale military operation” launched by the Israeli military, police, and Shin Bet security agency. The operation, dubbed “Iron Wall,” aims to eradicate terrorism in Jenin.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of the operation on Tuesday, two days after the Gaza ceasefire came into effect. Hamas has responded by calling for Palestinians in the West Bank to mobilize against the occupation army.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least 10 people were killed and 40 injured, with videos from local journalists showing armored vehicles entering Jenin and ambulances being blocked. The Israeli military claims its forces are surrounding the city’s refugee camp and stopping ambulances from entering.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s armed wing Al Quds Brigades said its fighters were firing at advancing Israeli troops around the refugee camp, alleging that the operation is an attempt by Netanyahu to save his faltering government coalition.
The international community has condemned settler violence in the West Bank, which has increased in recent years. The US had imposed sanctions against several Israeli settlers allegedly responsible for deadly violence but rescinded them following a change in administration.
This latest offensive comes after a major military operation in the northern West Bank in August and September, which was dubbed “Operation Summer Camps.” Israel’s security forces have been accused of perpetuating a cycle of violence, with scores of settlers storming Palestinian towns and causing damage.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed alarm over the new wave of violence, with reports of settlers attacking Palestinian communities in several parts of the West Bank.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/21/middleeast/israel-west-bank-operation-intl/index.html