Israel Launched One Of Its Biggest Raids On The Occupied West Bank In Years, Killing At Least 11 Palestinians
Israeli officials claimed that the raid was to put a stop to "Iranian terrorist networks" in the in the West Bank.
Israel launched one of its biggest military operations in Palestine’s occupied West Bank since 2002, with hundreds of Israeli soldiers raiding multiple cities and refugee camps with helicopters, drones and bulldozers on Wednesday, Aug. 28, killing at least 11 Palestinians.
Israeli officials claimed that the raid was to put a stop to "Iranian terrorist networks" in the in the West Bank.
Soldiers razed streets with bulldozers and raided homes in the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas, arresting at least 25 people.
Communications and internet are now cut off in Jenin due to Israel destruction of the infrastructure, according to the Palestinian Telecommunications Company.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said its teams were having trouble reaching the area because Israeli forces were blocking the ambulances from entering.
Residents at the Nur Shams camp, in Tulkarem, said the Israeli army gave them three hours to leave if they wanted to but with no direct evacuation order, according to Al Jazeera.
Palestinian armed groups, including the al-Quds Brigades and Qassam Brigades, said they were engaged in combat against Israeli forces in the Nur Shams and Jenin refugee camps.
Hamas called on Palestinians in the West Bank to rise up, saying the raids are part of a larger plan to expand the war in Gaza.
Palestinian authorities said Israel’s military operation in the West Bank in addition to the war in Gaza will lead to “dire and dangerous” results.
The West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967, with Israel retaining primary control over many aspects of life, including borders, natural resources, airspace, movement of people and goods, security, and the population registry.
Since 1967, Israel has established over 280 settlements in the West Bank, including 138 formally recognized settlements and 150 "outposts" – settlements without formal authorization, but where Israeli authorities provide infrastructure, basic services, and security, according to Human Rights Watch.
Israel has been attacking Palestinians in the West Bank long before Oct. 7, but since the beginning of its genocide in Gaza, it has intensified its military operations in the West Bank, holding near daily raids.
It has killed 646 Palestinians, including 148 children, in the West Bank since Oct. 7, according to Al Jazeera.
Sofia Hou
Sofia Hou
