As the operation unfolds, the Israeli military has indicated that it has only 10 targets remaining in Jenin, suggesting that the operation may be nearing its conclusion. In a controversial move, far-right government officials have advocated for a prolonged occupation of the city. Jenin has become a focal point for Palestinian militancy over the past year, making the situation increasingly precarious.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the IDF, communicated via Twitter that, “There is no point in the camp that we have not been, including the center.” He emphasized that soldiers are prepared to engage with armed militants throughout the day on Tuesday, indicating the ongoing and volatile nature of the conflict.
“The objective was to encircle the Jenin refugee camp as the epicenter of terrorism,” stated Eitan Dangot, who previously served as Israel’s military coordinator for Palestinian civilian affairs in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. He further mentioned that Israeli forces anticipate the operation to conclude by the end of the day, underscoring the urgency and intensity of the military actions.
Throughout the night, the Israeli military reported dismantling an “underground shaft utilized for storing explosive devices” in the heart of the Jenin Camp. The military statement also claimed the destruction of “two operational command centers belonging to terrorist factions in the area,” along with the confiscation of a grenade launcher and various weapons and military equipment. These actions highlight the ongoing military strategy aimed at neutralizing perceived threats.
Hagari stated that all of the 10 Palestinians killed and the 120 arrested since the operation began on Monday were combatants, reflecting the military’s stance on the nature of the conflict. This declaration raises questions about the classification of casualties in such military operations and the broader implications for the civilian population caught in the crossfire.
An anonymous Israeli military official indicated that around 300 armed combatants are still present in Jenin, with many reportedly in hiding. This situation creates a tense atmosphere as military operations continue, with the potential for further violence and conflict escalation in the area.
According to the Red Cross, an estimated 3,000 Palestinians sought refuge outside of the camp overnight, finding shelter with relatives due to the violence. Reports from Israeli media suggest that some combatants may have also escaped during the turmoil, complicating the security situation and contributing to the chaos as the operation continues.
This prolonged ground incursion is part of a broader trend of near-nightly Israeli military raids targeting the Jenin camp and surrounding regions, where many of the 50 Palestinians involved in attacks against Israelis have originated. The ongoing military strategy raises concerns about its effectiveness and the humanitarian impact on the local population.
As violence in the West Bank has intensified, Israel has consistently asserted its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties during these operations. However, recent military actions, which have become longer and more frequent, especially during daytime, have unfortunately resulted in numerous civilian deaths. The nature of the confrontations and the weaponry deployed in the streets of Jenin evoke memories of the Palestinian uprising from 2000 to 2005, often referred to as the second intifada.
As of now, 2023 is on track to become one of the deadliest years for Palestinians, with more than 150 fatalities recorded thus far. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for a renewed focus on peace and conflict resolution in the region.
Mahmoud Balas, a 47-year-old resident of the Jenin refugee camp, expressed that he, along with his wife and five children, have been too terrified to leave their home since the operation commenced on Monday. Despite the sounds of explosions and gunfire echoing outside, as well as disruptions to electricity and water supplies caused by the ongoing fighting, the fear of the unknown has kept them indoors.
“It’s worse than 2002,” Balas remarked, referencing the infamous Battle of Jenin, which extended over a week and resulted in the deaths of at least 50 Palestinians and 23 Israeli soldiers. His comparison reflects the heightened tensions and fears that accompany such military actions, as well as the lasting scars left on the community.
“They are trying to bring the camp and its people to their knees, as it is harming them,” Balas added. “But they will not succeed, God willing.” His statement captures the resilience of the residents amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighting their determination to withstand the pressures exerted by military operations.
Many observers anticipate that this ongoing military operation will only serve to further fuel the existing cycle of violence, complicating the path towards peace and stability in the region.
“Buildings may crumble, vehicles may be reduced to wreckage, and countless individuals may be detained, injured, or even martyred,” stated Mostafa Sheta, director of the Jenin refugee camp’s Freedom Theater, a hub of cultural Palestinian resistance during the second intifada. “These actions will only breed a new generation that will carry the torch of resistance passed down by those who came before them, just as we do today, and as our children will in the future.”
The Israeli military has articulated the necessity of conducting counterterrorism operations due to the absence of the Palestinian Authority, which holds nominal control over Jenin. Militant groups, including Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and other smaller factions, have taken control, complicating the political landscape and security dynamics.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated on Tuesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu bears responsibility for the escalation of violence, asserting that Jenin “has been and will remain unbreakable.” This statement reflects the ongoing defiance and resolve of militant factions in response to military operations.
Balousha reported from Gaza City. Sufian Taha in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
