Israel’s military has launched air raids on the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least three Palestinians, according to local residents and officials. Residents reported at least 10 air attacks in Jenin, with buildings in ruins and smoke billowing from the wreckage. Witnesses also observed a convoy of Israeli armored vehicles moving towards the city’s vast refugee camp.
Mahmoud al-Saadi, the director of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Jenin, described the situation as a “real war” with bombing from the air and an invasion from the ground. Several houses and sites were targeted, and smoke was seen rising from various locations. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the death of three people and the injury of 13, with some in critical condition.
The Israeli military conducted the air raids as part of escalating violence in the West Bank. This includes the first Israeli drone assault in the area since 2006, increased military raids on Jenin and other northern Palestinian territories, and settler attacks on Palestinian villages. The recent unrest has raised global concern, with the United Nations human rights chief condemning Israel’s use of heavy weaponry, including drones and helicopter gunships, in the West Bank.
The Israeli military stated that it targeted a “joint operations center” used as a command center for the Jenin Brigades, a unit comprising fighters from different Palestinian armed groups. The site was described as an advanced observation and reconnaissance center, a weapons and explosives site, and a coordination and communications hub for Palestinian fighters. The Israeli military provided an aerial photograph indicating that the building hit was located near two schools and a medical center.
The air raids triggered a gun battle that continued into the morning, with the sounds of explosives and drones echoing throughout Jenin. The Jenin Brigades reported engagement with Israeli forces, while the Palestinian Islamic Jihad armed group declared that “all options are open to strike the enemy [Israel] in response to its aggression in Jenin.”
The recent violence in Jenin is a reflection of the escalating tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict, fueled by Israeli settler colonizations and Palestinian resistance, has resulted in numerous casualties. Calls for a reset of policies in line with international human rights standards have been made, urging Israel to protect and respect the right to life.
