Israeli armored units launched a significant operation in Jenin's refugee camp early Thursday, marking the largest military deployment in the West Bank this year. Witnesses reported armored bulldozers clearing roads as troops conducted house-to-house searches, triggering clashes with local militant groups.
This operation follows three fatal attacks against Israeli civilians in June, with security officials calling Jenin a terrorism hub. Palestinian health authorities confirm at least 8 injuries, while the IDF states its objectives include:
- Neutralizing explosive manufacturing sites
- Confiscating illegal weapons caches
- Disrupting militant communication networks
We're targeting infrastructure that threatens regional stability,stated IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht during a press briefing.
Humanitarian organizations report disrupted medical services at Khalil Suleiman Hospital, with ambulances struggling to reach injured civilians. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns this escalation could worsen the West Bank's economic crisis, where unemployment already exceeds 30%.
Analysts suggest this operation might derail recent US-brokered security talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials. Regional experts are monitoring responses from Hezbollah and Hamas, both pledging consequences for aggression in official statements.