Israel carried out raids in the West Bank, resulting in at least nine Palestinian deaths and the sealing off of the city of Jenin. Palestinian officials reported that Israeli forces surrounded the city, blocking entry and exit points, as well as access to hospitals and infrastructure. The Israeli military confirmed operations in Jenin and Tulkarem, but did not provide further details. The Israeli Foreign Minister called for similar measures in the West Bank to deal with the threat and win the ongoing war, drawing comparisons with Gaza.
Hamas called on Palestinians in the West Bank to rise up in response to the raids, claiming they were part of a plan to expand the conflict in Gaza and blaming U.S. support for Israel for the escalation. The group urged security forces allied with the Palestinian Authority to join the fight. Over 650 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire since the start of the conflict in Gaza, with most deaths occurring during raids that often lead to gun battles 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, and Palestinians hope to establish a state in these territories. Israel has established numerous settlements in the West Bank housing over 500,000 Jewish settlers, who have Israeli citizenship. Meanwhile, the 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank live under Israeli military rule, with limited control by the Palestinian Authority over population centers. The current war in Gaza began in October when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in significant casualties and abductions. Israel responded with an offensive that has killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced much of Gaza’s population.
Israeli strikes in Gaza led to the deaths of at least 16 people, including women and children, in addition to extensive destruction in the region. Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of remaining hostages have been ongoing, with involvement from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Talks have faced challenges as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks “total victory” over Hamas, while the militant group demands a lasting cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Despite no breakthrough after talks in Egypt, negotiations are set to continue in Qatar.
The situation in the region remains tense and volatile, with ongoing military operations, casualties, and displacement of civilians. The conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups like Hamas shows no signs of abating, with both sides continuing to engage in hostilities and retaliatory actions. The international community is involved in efforts to broker peace and establish a lasting cease-fire, but significant challenges and disagreements persist between the parties involved. The ramifications of the conflict are far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate area but also broader geopolitics and relationships between Israel, Palestinians, and other regional and global actors.
