Israeli Forces Target Militants in Large-Scale West Bank Operation

Israeli forces have initiated a substantial military operation in the West Bank, targeting multiple locations including Tulkarm, Jenin, and areas within the Jordan Valley. The action, which commenced on August 28, 2024, has resulted in significant casualties and sparked resistance from Palestinian militant groups.

According to Israeli military sources, five Palestinian fighters were neutralized inside a mosque in Tulkarm, a city in the northern West Bank. Among those killed was Muhhamad Jabber, identified as the leader of a militant network operating from the nearby Nur Shams refugee camp.

The operation involves hundreds of Israeli troops supported by helicopters, drones, and armored vehicles. Palestinian health authorities report at least 12 Palestinian fatalities resulting from the first day of operations.

In Jenin, known for its refugee camp established in 1953, Israeli forces have implemented stringent measures, including blocking access to the main hospital with earth mounds and inspecting ambulances. This action has raised concerns about civilian access to medical care during the ongoing conflict.

The armed factions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah have issued statements claiming their members are actively resisting the Israeli incursion, reportedly detonating explosives targeting military vehicles in various locations.

This escalation of hostilities in the West Bank is closely linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began nearly 11 months ago. Since October 7, 2023, the region has witnessed increased tensions and violence, resulting in numerous casualties on both sides.

"This is a war in every sense, and we must win it."

Katz also accused Iran of attempting to destabilize Jordan and establish an eastern front against Israel, similar to situations in Gaza and Lebanon.

The current operation has had a significant impact on civilian infrastructure, with reports of a complete network outage at Jawwal, one of the main telecommunications providers in the Palestinian territories.

The West Bank, under Israeli occupation since 1967, has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its complex history includes the establishment of Israeli settlements, considered illegal under international law by the United Nations. The region is also home to numerous important religious sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making it a culturally significant area.

As the situation continues to unfold, concerns grow about the humanitarian impact on the civilian population. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in thousands of arrests in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with over 660 Palestinians killed since the start of the Gaza war.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with efforts to mediate and find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict ongoing.