Israeli Military Ends 10-Day Raid in Jenin: What You Need to Know
The Israeli military has concluded its 10-day raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, marking one of its longest and deadliest operations in recent years. The withdrawal, which took place early on Friday, has left a significant mark on the city and its infrastructure.
Overview of the Jenin Raid
The raid in Jenin, which began ten days ago, was a major operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the operation resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals, including children and the elderly. However, the IDF’s statement did not specify how many of those killed were militants.
The IDF reported that its forces uncovered weapons caches and dismantled explosives during the raid. They also announced the killing of Wesam Khazem, a prominent Hamas operative in Jenin. Hamas has confirmed Khazem’s death, along with that of two other members.
Impact on Jenin
The raid caused extensive damage across Jenin, affecting essential infrastructure. Nidal Abu Saleh, the mayor of Jenin, estimated the damage from this latest incursion to exceed $13 million. Previous Israeli operations over the past year have already cost the city around $26 million in damages. Key areas hit include:
- Commercial Block: The destruction of the commercial block at the cinema roundabout has significantly impacted the city’s economic heart.
- Infrastructure: Roads, water, sewage, and electricity systems have all suffered severe damage, compounding the city’s recovery challenges.
Reactions and Consequences
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has condemned the Israeli raid, accusing Israel of aiming to extend its “brutal crimes” from Gaza to the West Bank. The social media backlash has been intense, reflecting widespread anger and grief.
One particularly tragic story involves 16-year-old Loujain Musleh, who was killed by Israeli gunfire in Kufr Dan, a village west of Jenin. Her father, Osama Musleh, described the harrowing incident, explaining that his daughter was accidentally shot by Israeli snipers. The IDF has stated that they were targeting militants and has acknowledged the incident is under review.
International Reactions and Ongoing Discussions
Internationally, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, has condemned the loss of young lives in the West Bank. He emphasised the need for urgent action to curb the violence affecting the region.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reported that a ceasefire deal is close, with “90 percent” agreed upon. However, critical issues remain, including the future of the Philadelphi Corridor and the specifics of hostage exchanges. The delay in finalising the agreement risks derailing progress towards peace.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. According to the UN, over 1 million people in southern and central Gaza did not receive food rations in August due to ongoing hostilities and damaged infrastructure. Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, highlighted the dire conditions, calling the situation “beyond catastrophic.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 40,878 people have been killed and 94,454 injured since the recent conflict began. The majority of the casualties are women and children. Israel has also reported around 1,200 deaths in the Hamas attacks of October 7, including more than 300 soldiers, with an additional 340 soldiers killed in ongoing operations.
What’s Next?
As the IDF concludes its operations in Jenin, the focus will likely shift to the reconstruction efforts and the broader implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations. The international community’s response, including ongoing diplomatic efforts and humanitarian aid, will play a crucial role in shaping the next steps in this volatile region.
