Israeli forces initiated a major military operation in the West Bank, focusing on Jenin, a known militant stronghold, as well as Tulkarem and the Al-Faraa refugee camp. The operation, one of the largest in recent months, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Hamas militants, with several others arrested.
Israeli airstrikes and ground raids marked the beginning of what officials described as a broader campaign aimed at dismantling militant networks that Israel claims are planning attacks against them.
This escalation has deepened fears among Palestinians, who worry that Israel is extending its military campaign from Gaza into the West Bank with the intention of further consolidating control over territories that Palestinians view as essential for a future state.
The Israeli military’s actions in Jenin included surrounding the city, cutting off access to hospitals, and damaging critical infrastructure, creating a severe humanitarian situation on the ground.
Hamas responded to these actions by calling for a widespread uprising in the West Bank, accusing Israel of attempting to broaden the war and pushing for the displacement of Palestinians.
They also criticized the Palestinian Authority, which has been cooperating with Israeli security forces, urging it to join the fight against Israel. The escalating violence has drawn international concern, with the U.N. Secretary-General calling for an immediate halt to the operation and urging Israel to exercise restraint.
The ongoing conflict in the West Bank is part of a broader and increasingly violent struggle that escalated sharply after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October. Israeli officials argue that their operations in the West Bank are necessary to eliminate threats from militant groups like Hamas.
However, these operations have led to a significant number of Palestinian casualties, with more than 652 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the conflict in Gaza began.
This conflict is rooted in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian dispute over territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians seek to establish a state in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, but Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion and military operations have made this goal increasingly difficult. The violence in Gaza, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, further complicates the situation.
Efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have so far been unsuccessful. While Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, Hamas demands an immediate cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from these areas. With negotiations moving to Qatar, the possibility of a resolution remains uncertain, and the conflict shows little sign of abating in the near future.
