Israeli Forces Exit Jenin After Extended Operation, Leaving Destruction

In a significant development, Israeli forces have concluded their extended operation in Jenin, a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank, after a 10-day presence. The withdrawal, occurring early on 2024-09-06, marks the end of one of the longest and most intense military actions in the region in recent years.

Jenin, a city with a population of approximately 40,000, has long been a focal point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Established in 1953, the Jenin refugee camp has been a site of recurring tensions. The city's strategic location near the Green Line separating Israel and the West Bank has contributed to its prominence in various confrontations.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported widespread destruction in the wake of the Israeli withdrawal. According to local officials, the operation resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, including:

• 12 miles of roads
• Main water and sewage systems
• Electricity network
• Commercial areas

Nidal Abu Saleh, Jenin's mayor, estimated the cost of destruction at over $13 million, adding to the $26 million in damages from previous incursions over the past 11 months.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their operation uncovered weapons caches and dismantled explosives. They reported killing 14 fighters, including Wesam Khazem, identified as the head of Hamas in Jenin, and detaining 30 individuals. The military conducted four aerial strikes during the operation.

Tor Wennesland, the UN's special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, condemned the killing of two children during the operation, calling for an immediate investigation and emphasizing the need for accountability.

The recent events in Jenin have occurred against the backdrop of ongoing peace negotiations and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, reported that 90% of a framework cease-fire deal has been agreed upon, with critical issues remaining unresolved.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The UN reported that over one million people in southern and central Gaza did not receive food rations in August 2024 due to ongoing hostilities and logistical challenges.

As Jenin begins to assess the full extent of the damage, its resilient community faces the challenge of rebuilding. The city, known for its agricultural production and home to the Arab American University, has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and has been under Israeli occupation since 1967.

The recent events underscore the complex and ongoing nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Jenin remaining a symbol of the broader struggles in the region. As peace efforts continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring stability to this long-troubled area.

"I am appalled by the tragic killing of two children over the past two days by Israeli security forces during military operations in Jenin and Tulkarm. I call for an immediate and thorough investigation into these incidents, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and justice to ensure the protection of all civilians."