Israeli forces continue their deadly offensive in Jenin in the occupied West Bank, destroying infrastructure and displacing nearly 2,000 families.
Wednesday’s operations included the bulldozing of key streets and came a day after ground and airstrikes killed. At least 10 people across the Jenin Governorate.
The AFP news agency quoted Jenin governor Kamal Abu al-Rab as saying that the situation in Jenin was “very difficult”.
“The occupation forces have bulldozed all the roads leading to Jenin. [refugee] Camp and Jenin Government Hospital. … There are firings and explosions,” he added.
According to al-Arb, Israeli forces also detained about 20 people from villages near Jenin.
The Israeli military said in a statement on Wednesday that it had carried out airstrikes on “terrorist infrastructure sites”, adding that “multiple explosive devices planted on routes” had been “defused”.
“Israeli forces are continuing the operation,” it added.
Jenin resident Adel Beshar told Al Jazeera that he had to spend the night in the hospital yard because he could not get home during the Israeli operations.
“Although my house is 200 meters. [220 yards] From here, I couldn’t reach it. There are many injured people, including doctors, nurses and patients.”
“There were also three or four people injured near my house, and no one was able to save them. Israeli forces opened fire on anyone who came near them. Two were injured while trying to save them.
The operation in Jenin, where the Israeli army Several raids have been conducted. And large-scale incursions in recent years have come days after a Gaza cease-fire took effect and signal the risk of further violence in the West Bank.
Before the Israeli operation, Palestinian Authority security forces launched a week-long operation to regain control of the city of Jenin and its refugee camp.
Israeli security forces launched a major operation yesterday. #JanineCamp and cities, using advanced weapons and warfare methods including airstrikes. At least ten Palestinians have been killed and more than forty injured. The operation is expected to continue for a few days. (1/3)
— Roland Friedrich (@GRFriedrich) January 22, 2025
At least three Palestinians were killed and several injured in an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp last week.
The West Bank director of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said the Jenin camp was “almost uninhabitable”.
About 2,000 families have been displaced since mid-December. UNRWA has been unable to provide full services to the camp at this time,” said Roland Friedrich at X.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, condemned Israel’s “death machinery” and its attacks on Jenin.
If it is not stopped by force, Israel’s genocide of Palestinians will not be limited to Gaza. Mark my words,” he said on X.
WATCH: Israeli forces abducted and abused several youths near Al-Awda Roundabout in Jenin. pic.twitter.com/t2nmz6MxF3
– Quds News Network (@QudsNen) January 22, 2025
Raid elsewhere.
Israeli forces also stormed Deir Samit, a town west of Hebron, raiding the homes of prisoners being released as part of the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The army also stormed the Ida camp in Bethlehem in the south, triggering a widespread arrest campaign.
Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Israeli forces tightened security measures for the third day in a row at most entrances and exits of the West Bank governorates.
Videos shared by Palestinians and verified by Al Jazeera show dozens of vehicles stuck in traffic at the Atara checkpoint near Ramallah due to tight security.
Since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, Israeli raids in the West Bank have increased. According to local rights groups and health officials, nearly 900 people have been killed and more than 9,700 arrested.
