Israeli forces have withdrawn from Jenin city and its refugee camp in the occupied West Bank after a major nine-day operation there. The area, known for being a stronghold of militants with a civilian population of about 60,000, was the target of one of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) biggest actions in the West Bank in years. The IDF stated that they were acting against terrorism.
During the operation, at least 36 Palestinians were killed, with 21 of them from the Jenin governorate, according to the Palestinian health ministry. While most of the deceased have been claimed by armed groups as members, the ministry reported that children were also among those killed. Additionally, an Israeli soldier lost his life during the fighting in Jenin.
The city of Tubas and al-Faraa refugee camp were also raided during the operation across the northern West Bank, marking the deadliest operation since the start of the war in Gaza last October triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel. Hundreds of troops from various security forces branches were involved, with civilians confined to their homes and utilities cut as the Israeli military engaged in ground battles with militants and conducted air strikes.
Residents of Jenin camp are now emerging onto the streets for the first time since the IDF began its assault on August 27. Many are shocked and exhausted as they slowly assess the damage caused by the operation. The destruction left behind by the IDF’s actions is evident, with buildings destroyed and infrastructure damaged.
The head of Jenin’s government hospital, Dr. Wissam Bakr, described the challenges faced by the hospital during the operation, including power and water supply cuts. Despite the hardships, the sounds of the city have started to return, with stallholders back at the marketplace and cafes bustling with activity.
The IDF reported that during the operation in Jenin, 14 terrorists were eliminated, over 30 suspects were apprehended, and numerous terror infrastructure sites were dismantled. The Palestinian health ministry also reported three Palestinians killed in the southern governorate of Hebron over the past nine days.
The spike in violence in the West Bank since Hamas’s attack and the war in Gaza has led to more than 600 Palestinians being killed as Israeli forces intensify their raids. Israel maintains that it is trying to prevent deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis in the West Bank and Israel.
