IDF and Shin Bet Launch Major Operation in West Bank Cities
Israeli forces initiate extensive operation in Jenin and Tulkarm, targeting "terrorist infrastructures". At least nine Palestinians reported killed, as tensions escalate in the occupied West Bank.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service, have initiated a significant operation in the occupied West Bank, focusing on the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm. This action, announced early Wednesday, marks a substantial escalation in the region's ongoing conflict.
Israel Katz, Israel's Foreign Minister, stated that the operation targets "terrorist infrastructures" and involves the temporary relocation of residents. The IDF confirmed that Israel Border Police forces are also participating in this extensive operation.
According to the Health Ministry in Ramallah, at least nine Palestinians have lost their lives since midnight. Seven casualties were transported to a hospital in Tubas, while two were taken to a facility in Jenin. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces have blocked entry to Tulkarm and surrounded two hospitals in the city. Similarly, access points to Jenin have been restricted.
This operation follows recent incidents of violence in the area. On Monday, an Israeli drone strike in Nur a-Shams, Tulkarm, resulted in the deaths of five Palestinians, described by the IDF as "terrorists operating within an operations room." Additionally, settlers were reported to have killed one Palestinian in Wadi Rahal village near Bethlehem.
The ongoing conflict has had a significant impact on the region. Since October 7, 2023, approximately 10 months and 21 days ago, the United Nations humanitarian affairs office reports that at least 607 Palestinians and 15 Israelis have lost their lives in the West Bank.
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In a related development, Human Rights Watch has called on Israeli officials to ensure the implementation of a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. This urgent appeal comes after the Strip recorded its first polio case in 25 years, highlighting the deteriorating health conditions in the area. The reemergence of this highly infectious disease is attributed to the ongoing disruption of water, sanitation, and health services in Gaza.
The broader conflict continues to exact a heavy toll. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 40,476 people have been killed and 93,647 injured in Gaza since the war's inception. While these figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants, the ministry emphasizes that the majority of casualties are women and children. On the Israeli side, it is estimated that about 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 attack by Hamas, including over 300 soldiers. An additional 339 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives since the start of military operations in Gaza.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with concerns mounting over the humanitarian impact and the potential for further escalation in this long-standing conflict.
