Israel’s prime minister announced the start of a military operation in the West Bank just days into the Gaza ceasefire. Palestinian media reported a series of air strikes and a large number of troops moving into the region Tuesday, Jan. 21. The attack reportedly killed at least eight Palestinians.
A spokesperson for the Palestinian security forces told AFP News Agency that Israeli troops opened fire on civilians and security forces, injuring at least 35 people.
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Why did Israel begin the operation?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his military launched the operation, dubbed “Iron Wall,” to “defeat terrorism” in Jenin, an area known for harboring armed Palestinian groups.
It happened just hours after President Donald Trump rescinded Biden-era executive orders that authorized U.S. sanctions against people who undermine peace in the West Bank, mainly targeting Israeli settlers.
Israel accuses Iran of smuggling weapons and funds to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other armed groups in the West Bank.
A military source told Israeli media it would continue the operation for “as long as necessary.”
How is Palestine responding?
The prime minister of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Mohammed Mustafa, said the raid is the latest in “aggressive Israeli measures” against Palestinians.
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad both called on Palestinians in the West Bank to escalate attacks against Israel in response to the Jenin operation.
This comes after an agreement last week on a multi-phase deal that includes the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip after more than 15 months of war.
