Israeli forces conducted one of their largest military operations in the occupied West Bank in years, targeting militant infrastructure and weapons in the Jenin refugee camp. They withdrew from the Palestinian city of Jenin on Tuesday.
In response, militants from the Gaza Strip launched rockets on Wednesday. Israeli jets retaliated by striking an underground weapons manufacturing facility. The possibility of further escalation remains uncertain.
The recent violence in the West Bank and Gaza is part of a wave of unrest. It stems from various factors, such as the stagnant peace process, Israeli settlement expansions, and the killing of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces.
While the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Jenin is a positive development, its impact on long-term de-escalation is uncertain. Both sides remain deeply divided, and the root causes of the violence have yet to be addressed.
Here are some additional details about the Israeli operation in Jenin:
- The operation was carried out by over 1,000 Israeli troops. They were supported by tanks, helicopters, and drones.
- The focus of the operation was the Jenin refugee camp, which is a stronghold of Palestinian militants. The camp was heavily damaged during the operation, and many homes were destroyed.
- The Israeli military said that the operation was successful in disrupting Palestinian militant activity in Jenin. However, Palestinian officials disputed this claim, saying that the operation had only served to further inflame tensions.
