Israel conducted raids across the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians and the sealing off of the city of Jenin, as reported by Palestinian officials. These raids have been ongoing since Hamas' attack from Gaza on October 7, which sparked the current conflict. Palestinian militant groups engaged in fire exchanges with the Israeli military, with reports of Israeli forces surrounding Jenin, restricting access to hospitals, and disrupting infrastructure.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in the West Bank stated that Israeli forces obstructed roads leading to hospitals and surrounded medical facilities in Jenin. The Israeli military confirmed operations in Jenin and Tulkarem but did not provide further details. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz called for similar measures in the West Bank, likening the situation to Gaza and emphasizing the need to address the threat effectively.
Hamas urged Palestinians in the West Bank to resist, attributing the raids to a broader plan to escalate the conflict in Gaza and criticizing U.S. support for Israel. The group called on security forces aligned with the Palestinian Authority to join the resistance against Israel.
Since the conflict began over 10 months ago, at least 652 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli forces, with most casualties occurring during raids that often lead to clashes with militants. Israel justifies these operations as necessary to dismantle militant groups and prevent attacks on Israelis.
Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war, with Palestinians aspiring to establish a state in these territories. The presence of over 500,000 Jewish settlers in West Bank settlements complicates the situation, as Palestinians in the area live under Israeli military rule.
In Gaza, the conflict intensified on October 7 when Hamas militants launched attacks in southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and abductions. Israel responded with a military offensive that has caused extensive destruction and displacement in Gaza. Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire have faced challenges, with ongoing talks seeking the release of remaining hostages and a resolution to the conflict.
Recent Israeli strikes in Gaza claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals, including women and children. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been involved in mediation efforts, but achieving a lasting peace agreement remains elusive as both sides continue to pursue their objectives.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
