Violence escalates in Jenin as Israeli offensive enters fourth day

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Friday, January 24th, 2025

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Sources Anadolu Ajansı
The Israeli army has intensified its military operations in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank for a fourth consecutive day, deploying additional reinforcements, eyewitnesses reported. Explosions and clashes continue to echo throughout the area, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Eyewitness accounts reveal systematic destruction of infrastructure, homes, and commercial properties by Israeli bulldozers. Over the past three days, heavy machinery has been used to raze multiple structures, displacing residents. Dozens of Palestinians have also been detained and transferred to investigation centers, according to local sources.
The offensive has claimed at least 12 Palestinian lives and injured more than 40, according to official reports. Jenin Deputy Governor Mansour al-Saadi has warned of a potential large-scale invasion of the refugee camp, likening it to the violence witnessed in Gaza.
Israeli media suggests the operation was politically motivated, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly launching the assault to appease far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who opposes the Gaza ceasefire. This move aims to prevent Smotrich’s resignation, which could destabilize the Israeli government.
Tensions remain high across the West Bank amidst Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, where over 47,000 people have been killed since October 2023. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports 873 deaths and more than 6,700 injuries in the West Bank alone.
The offensive occurs despite a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza, which took effect on Jan. 19. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice continues to call for an end to Israel’s occupation, declaring West Bank settlements illegal.