Michael Sebastian
The Israeli military has intensified its operations in the West Bank, killing five militants, including a local commander, as part of its largest operation in the territory since the conflict with Gaza escalated. Since late Tuesday, Israeli raids in northern West Bank have resulted in 16 deaths, primarily of militants, according to Israeli sources. Israel claims the operations are intended to thwart potential attacks, while Palestinians view them as an expansion of the Gaza conflict and a means to reinforce Israel’s long-standing military control over the region.
The recent raids have prompted concern from international actors, including the United Nations, Jordan, the United Kingdom, and France. These parties have highlighted the urgent need for a cease-fire in Gaza, where the conflict has continued for nearly 11 months. The international community is wary that the escalation in the West Bank could further destabilize the already volatile situation.
In Gaza, an Israeli strike on an apartment building in the Nuseirat refugee camp killed nine Palestinians from the same family, including two women and five children. The Israeli government has not commented on the specific target of the attack.
The UN’s World Health Organization plans a temporary pause in military operations starting Sunday to facilitate polio vaccinations for approximately 650,000 Palestinian children, following the detection of a polio case for the first time in 25 years.
The Islamic Jihad group confirmed the death of Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, during an Israeli raid in Tulkarem. Abu Shujaa was a notable figure among Palestinians, previously reported dead but later seen at a militant funeral. Israeli forces reported that he was involved in various attacks on Israelis and was planning further operations.
The raids have also continued in other West Bank cities, including Jenin and Fara’a, where Israeli forces clashed with militants and uncovered weapons caches.
The operation in the West Bank marks the deadliest Israeli military action in the area since the conflict with Hamas began. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 650 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the onset of the war, with a mix of militants, bystanders, and protesters among the casualties.
The surge in violence has also been accompanied by increased attacks on Israeli citizens and incidents of settler violence.
The ongoing conflict, which began with Hamas’ attack on southern Israel, has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and massive displacement in Gaza. Efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a cease-fire have stalled, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding a complete victory over Hamas and the militant group insisting on a cease-fire and withdrawal from occupied territories.
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