Israeli Forces Exit Jenin After 10-Day Operation, Leaving Destruction
Israeli military withdraws from Jenin and its refugee camp after a 10-day operation. Palestinian authorities report 21 fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage, accusing Israel of bringing Gaza-like destruction to the West Bank.
On September 6, 2024, the Palestine news agency (WAFA) reported that Israeli forces have concluded their operations in Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp. This withdrawal marks the end of a 10-day period characterized by intense military activity in the area.
The Palestinian health ministry has confirmed that 21 individuals lost their lives during this operation. A Reuters witness on the scene noted significant damage to the local infrastructure following the Israeli forces' departure.
Jenin, a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank with a population of approximately 40,000, has long been a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The city is home to a refugee camp established in 1953, which currently houses around 14,000 registered refugees. This recent military operation adds to the city's history of frequent Israeli interventions.
The Palestinian foreign ministry issued a statement on Facebook, drawing parallels between the destruction in Jenin and Tulkarm, including their refugee camps, to the devastation witnessed in the Gaza Strip. This comparison underscores the severity of the damage inflicted during the recent operation.
"Israel has transferred its brutal destruction and devastation from the Gaza Strip to the occupied West Bank, as evidenced by the situation in the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm, and the refugee camps there."
The impact of such military operations extends beyond immediate physical damage. Jenin's economy, which relies heavily on agricultural production, particularly olives and vegetables, has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict. The city is also home to important cultural and educational institutions, including the Freedom Theatre in the refugee camp and the Arab American University, founded in 2000.
Despite its challenges, Jenin remains a city of historical and cultural significance. It boasts ancient archaeological sites and a diverse population, including a notable Christian minority. The Jenin Governorate, of which the city is the capital, covers an area of 583 square kilometers and is strategically located about 26 kilometers north of Nablus and 43 kilometers southeast of Haifa.
As the city begins to assess the aftermath of this recent operation, the international community's attention is once again drawn to the complex and ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Jenin serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged military engagements in civilian areas.
