On Wednesday, the Israeli military carried out a major operation in the occupied West Bank, resulting in at least nine fatalities amidst intense gunfights in Jenin and other significant cities. This escalation came amid growing tensions and ongoing devastation in Gaza.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz urged for the temporary relocation of Palestinians from Jenin and other areas during the extensive anti-terror operation. The military has stated that it is permitting residents wishing to leave conflict areas to do so safely.

As Israel intensifies its actions in the West Bank, it continues operations in Gaza and faces off against Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran, along its northern border with Lebanon, while commercial vessels, some linked to Israel, face threats from Iran-backed Houthis based in Yemen.

Katz asserted the military’s commitment to dismantling Iran-backed terror networks in West Bank refugee camps like Jenin and Tulkarm. He accused Iran of building a terrorist front against Israel in the West Bank, similar to those established in Gaza and Lebanon, by financing terrorism and smuggling weapons from Jordan.

“We need to confront this threat just like we tackle the terrorist networks in Gaza, including possibly moving Palestinian residents and taking any necessary actions,” Katz commented. “This is for everything, and we must achieve victory.”

The United Nations reports that nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have been under various evacuation orders since the onset of the Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7.

According to Israeli military sources, the recent operation was prompted by a notable increase in militant activities in the West Bank over the past few months. The Israeli forces have increased their raids in the West Bank, coinciding with a rise in settler violence against Palestinians. The U.N. reports that over 600 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the war in Gaza began.

Rescued hostage’s message: Other captives are ‘suffering’

Updates:

∎ The U.S. has sanctioned the Israeli nonprofit Hashomer Yosh and a security official from a Jewish settlement in the West Bank in a bid to discourage extremist violence against Palestinians.

∎ The Israeli military reported that its aircraft “targeted and eliminated” at least three armed militants in Jenin posing a threat to ground troops. Additionally, special forces eliminated a minimum of two other militants.

∎ The Israeli forces also launched Operation Mosk, which included airstrikes against four armed militants threatening forces in the Bekaa area of the West Bank, during which troops confiscated weapons and destroyed explosives.

UN: Israeli Actions Breach ‘Human Rights Norms’

The U.N. Human Rights Office spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, commented that the Israeli military activities in the West Bank “may severely escalate the already disastrous situation” in the region. She noted that many children have been killed “for throwing stones at heavily armed Israeli forces, as have other Palestinians who posed no imminent threat.” She emphasized that, as an occupying power, Israel is required to fulfill its obligations under international law.

“The Israeli security forces’ use of airstrikes and military tactics contravenes human rights standards and norms,” she stressed.

Heartbreaking Hostage Rescue Story

A former mayor of Rahat stated that rescued hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi shared that a fellow captive died with him in Gaza. Ata Abu Madighem disclosed to Channel 12 news that Alkadi, a resident of Rahat, revealed that he had been held alongside a Jewish hostage for approximately two months. Madighem remarked that Alkadi reported no special treatment from his captors.

“This story is deeply upsetting for him, filled with terrible memories,” Madighem expressed. “Ultimately, he is focused on expressing gratitude for his rescue.”

Militants Target Israeli Vehicles in West Bank

The armed factions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah announced that their members were detonating explosives against Israeli military vehicles across three West Bank regions. The Palestinian health ministry reported that Israeli troops encircled the main hospital in Jenin, barricading access with earth mounds to prevent fighters from seeking refuge there.

Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, a military spokesperson, confirmed that the military operation was a response to the significant rise in militant activity in recent months, asserting an “immediate threat” to civilians while maintaining that the operation is part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent further attacks.

“The terror threat in this area is longstanding; it did not begin yesterday and will not end tomorrow,” Shosani stated.

Warnings of ‘serious repercussions’ from Palestinians

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced he would be ending his diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia in light of a major Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Abbas’ spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh cautioned that this military operation in the West Bank could lead to “serious repercussions.” He urged the United States to step in and compel the Israeli authorities to halt their “widespread war” against the Palestinian people.

“The international community must act swiftly and decisively to rein in this extremist administration, which threatens both regional and global stability,” he stated.

Ongoing tensions in the West Bank

In contrast to Gaza, which has been under Hamas control prior to the conflict, the West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War. Since then, Israel has established and expanded settlements in the West Bank, resulting in nearly 500,000 Israeli settlers living there alongside approximately 3 million Palestinians.

Last month, the highest court of the United Nations ruled that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are illegal and called on all nations to help resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Contributing: Reuters