Major Operation in Jenin Enters Third Day
The Israeli military has reported a significant milestone in its ongoing operation in the northern West Bank, claiming the death of Wissam Khazem, a senior leader of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, along with two other fighters. This operation, which has entered its third day, is one of the most extensive military actions in the West Bank in the past two decades.
Targeted Strikes and Clashes in Zababdeh
According to the Israeli military, Khazem was killed in a vehicle during an encounter with Israeli security forces. Following this, airstrikes were carried out against two additional militants as they attempted to flee the scene. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed that all three men were killed overnight near the town of Zababdeh, southeast of Jenin. This area has seen increased military activity as Israeli forces focus on dismantling what they describe as terrorist networks.
Israeli Withdrawal from Tulkarm Amid Widespread Destruction
In other parts of the West Bank, Israeli forces have reportedly withdrawn from Tulkarm after causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure within the city’s refugee camps. While the Israeli military has not provided immediate comments on this withdrawal, it previously announced the killing of five members of armed groups in Tulkarm, including a local leader.
Al-Faraa Refugee Camp: Mission Accomplished
In a related operation, Israeli forces have completed their mission in the al-Faraa refugee camp near Tubas, declaring success in foiling terror activities, exposing terrorist infrastructure, and eliminating armed threats. The withdrawal from al-Faraa marks the conclusion of another critical phase of this large-scale military operation.
Rising Casualties and International Concern
The Palestinian health ministry reports that at least 19 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of this military campaign. The escalating violence in the West Bank, coupled with the ongoing war in Gaza, has triggered significant international alarm.
Global Reactions: Calls for De-escalation
The UK government has expressed deep concern over Israel’s tactics, particularly reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, warning of the serious risk of instability in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these concerns, stating that the Israeli raids are “fuelling an already explosive situation.” The surge in violence follows Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7, which led to the current conflict in Gaza. Since then, Israeli forces have intensified their operations, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths as they seek to curb attacks on Israelis both in the West Bank and Israel itself.