Israel carried out massive raids across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, killing at least nine Palestinians. The IDF reported operations in the cities of Tulkarm and Jenin. Palestinian officials said Jenin was completely blocked.
The operation is one of the largest Israeli raids in the past two decades. While such raids have become commonplace since the October 7 Hamas attack that sparked the ongoing conflict with Gaza, this latest action is notable for its scale and intensity. Palestinian militants reported clashes with the Israeli military during the raids.
In Jenin, the city’s governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, said Israeli forces had surrounded the city. They blocked all access points, including those leading to hospitals, and damaged infrastructure in the refugee camp.
What Israel says
The Israeli military confirmed its activity in Jenin and Tulkarm, but gave no further details. More than 652 Palestinians have been killed in such raids in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The operations are part of a broader Israeli effort to eliminate Hamas and prevent attacks on Israelis.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said seven people were killed in Tubas and two in Jenin on Wednesday morning. The men killed in Jenin were identified as Qassam Jabareen, 25, and Asem Balut, 39.
The West Bank, including Gaza and East Jerusalem, was captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East War. The Palestinian Authority has limited control over parts of the West Bank, where more than 500,000 Jewish settlers live in Israeli-built settlements.
The ongoing conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 that killed about 1,200 people and abducted about 250. Israel’s response has resulted in significant casualties and massive displacement in Gaza.
Negotiation results
Despite months of talks brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt, no ceasefire has been reached. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised “total victory” over Hamas. Hamas is demanding a long-term ceasefire and withdrawal from the occupied territories. The latest talks have moved to Qatar after no progress was made in Egypt.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-west-bank-raids-occupied-west-bank-rcna168559
Learn: https://exploration-echo.com/2024/08/20/israel-can-blinkens-visit-lead-to-a-breakthrough-in-gaza/