Israel’s military launched an offensive in Jenin and nearby areas, targeting a group linked to a previous attack on Israeli vehicles near Al Funduq. This operation resulted in the deaths of two men, identified as Mohamad Nazzal and Qutayba Shalabi, who had been wanted for the murder of three Israelis—a police investigator and two women from a nearby settlement. Since the ceasefire in Gaza began this week, Israel has focused its efforts on the West Bank, particularly Jenin, where it has conducted at least three major operations over the past year and a half. These operations have killed many Palestinian civilians and caused significant civilian casualties, with thousands of people now living in fear in Jenin’s refugee camp.
According to Palestinian officials, repeated Israeli raids have failed to subdue militant groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who have grown stronger in recent years. Over the past week, at least 10 people have been killed in the region, while more than 40 others have been injured. Humanitarian concerns have arisen as thousands of Palestinians, including children, have fled Jenin, leaving them without access to basic necessities like electricity and water.
The Israeli military has set up checkpoints near Jenin’s government hospital, inspecting vehicles entering or exiting the complex but allowing most ambulances through quickly after inspection. On Thursday, Israeli forces killed Nazzal and Shalabi in an overnight operation near the village of Burqin. An Israeli soldier was injured during the confrontation.
Hamas’s armed wing has claimed responsibility for the attack on Nazzal and Shalabi, citing them as members of their group. Palestinian Islamic Jihad also issued a statement mourning Nazzal, calling him a leader in its Jenin Brigade while leaving unclear his allegiance to the group.
The Jenin refugee camp, established for Palestinians displaced during Israel’s establishment in 1948, has become a stronghold for groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Earlier this week, Palestinian Authority security forces launched a rare crackdown on militant activity in the area, raising tensions among local residents.
Israeli settlers have also reportedly carried out an apparent revenge attack on Al Funduq, destroying a plant nursery and damaging cars. Since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas led the war that began in Gaza this summer, Israel has killed more than 800 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion earlier this year, finding Israel’s occupation of the West Bank a violation of international law, though Israel rejected the accusation. The ongoing conflict continues to bring civilian casualties and enduring challenges for those affected.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/world/middleeast/israel-west-bank-jenin.html