**At Least Nine Palestinians Killed in Israeli Raids Across West Bank Cities**
In a significant escalation of violence, at least nine Palestinians have been reported killed in the occupied West Bank following a series of coordinated Israeli military operations. The raids, which began at midnight local time, targeted multiple cities, including Jenin, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas. This marks the first time since the Second Intifada (2000-2005) that such a large-scale, simultaneous operation has been conducted across several Palestinian cities.
**Ongoing Military Operations**
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have described the operation as a "counter-terrorism" effort aimed at dismantling what they term "terrorist infrastructure" within these cities. According to Israeli officials, the operations are a response to threats posed by armed groups in the area. Lt Col Nadav Shoshani of the IDF stated that "large forces" have been deployed to Jenin and Tulkarm to address security threats. The IDF's actions have included airstrikes and ground operations, with claims of dismantling explosives intended for attacks against security forces.
**Impact on Local Communities**
In Jenin, the situation has been particularly dire. Streets are deserted, and local reports indicate that military vehicles have blocked roads and restricted access to hospitals. The Jenin Government Hospital, along with Ibn Sina Hospital, has been surrounded by Israeli troops, who are reportedly checking IDs of patients and visitors. This has heightened concerns about the humanitarian impact of the raids.
In Far’a camp near Tubas, the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that Israeli forces stormed their medical facility, detaining staff and cutting off communication. Although the troops have since withdrawn, the incident has raised alarms about the safety of medical personnel and the delivery of emergency care.
**International Reactions**
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has condemned the Israeli operation, stating that it violates international law and exacerbates an already volatile situation. The OHCHR urged compliance with human rights norms and criticized the military's approach as potentially inflaming tensions further.
In response to the escalating violence, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cut short a diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia to return to the West Bank and address the situation. Abbas has condemned the raids as part of a broader "war on the Palestinian people" and called for international intervention to halt the aggression.
**Broader Context**
The current violence follows an increase in tensions since October 7, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel. The UN has reported over 600 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since then, with the majority resulting from Israeli military actions.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports of clashes, airstrikes, and military operations. The international community watches closely, concerned about the potential for further escalation and the humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.
0 Comments