The Israeli military authorities, who last night launched the offensive against Jenin in the north of the West Bank, which has been occupied since 1967 and has been heralded in recent weeks by local media and vigorously invoked by the far right, are allegedly trying to isolate the refugee camp from the rest of the city to the government. The Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Shin Bet secret service speak of a “limited operation” and not of a long-term reoccupation of Jenin. The aim would be to capture – and more likely eliminate – the leaders of the fighters of the various Palestinian armed factions who have been the protagonists of the attacks that have taken place against soldiers and settlers in recent months.
Editorial advises: Four settlers killed, Israeli offensive in West Bank draws near
In the last few hours, dozens of people have been arrested and dozens of homes have been searched. Snipers were stationed on the roofs of dozens of houses. At least 15 drone and helicopter strikes were also flown against what Israel describes as “command centers of armed groups”, weapons and explosives depots. The military bulldozers are also destroying the roads leading to the refugee camp, hindering the arrival of emergency vehicles. Much of the refugee camp is without electricity.
The editors advise: Jenin must be re-cast, the right hopes for it. Abu Mazen node for the West Bank
Palestinian fighters responded with automatic weapon fire and detonated a bomb under a bulldozer, doing only damage. At least eight Palestinians were killed: Samih Abu al-Wafa, Hussam Abu Dhiba, Aws al-Hanoun, Nour al-Din Marshoud, the identity of three is still unknown. 30 injured, seven of them in critical condition. There would be no Israeli military casualties. Another Palestinian was killed last night in Al Bireh (Ramallah) during protests that began in various cities after the offensive against Jenin began. About 130 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the beginning of the year, including many civilians, as well as more than 20 Israeli soldiers and settlers.
The attack was launched just after midnight from the Al-Jalama checkpoint. Drones and helicopters began airstrikes as dozens of vehicles entered Jenin. Ron Ben Yishai, military commentator for Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, said the attack on the Palestinian city was planned a year ago. Fighters in Jenin were preparing for the arrival of Israeli armored forces but were surprised by airstrikes, he added. The armed groups, for their part, have said they will “resist Israeli aggression.” Hamas and Jihad Islami demanded that the attack be repelled. There is still the possibility of rockets being fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip if the military operation does not end soon.
A condemnation of the Israeli offensive came from Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian Authority (PNA) President Abu Mazen, who spoke of a “crime committed by the occupying forces against Jenin”. Abu Rudeineh called on the international community to “break its shameful silence and take serious action to force Israel to stop its aggression against the Palestinian people.” However, PNA forces remain in their bases and do not intervene in the fighting .