Israeli forces withdraw from Jenin after extensive military operation, leaving behind
Israeli forces have reportedly withdrawn from the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank following a significant military operation that lasted over a week. This operation, which began on August 28, has resulted in extensive destruction and numerous fatalities, with local health officials confirming that at least 36 Palestinians have died, including children and elderly individuals
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Israeli armored personnel carriers were seen leaving the camp through a checkpoint on a major road. An Associated Press journalist present in the camp reported that there were no remaining Israeli troops as dawn broke. However, the Israeli military has not officially confirmed the withdrawal, leading to speculation that it may be a tactical repositioning rather than a complete exit
The military operation in Jenin has been described as one of the deadliest in the region since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict nearly 11 months ago. The United Nations has characterized the Israeli approach during this period as employing "lethal war-like tactics." The focus of the operation has primarily been on the Jenin refugee camp, known for its militant presence, and has intensified following the Hamas assault on Israel that escalated the ongoing conflict
Throughout the operation, Israeli forces have claimed to have targeted militants, stating that they killed 14 individuals labeled as "terrorists" and detained over 30 suspects. They also reported the neutralization of approximately 30 explosive devices and the dismantling of an underground weapons cache located beneath a mosque
The violence has severely impacted Palestinian civilians in Jenin, disrupting essential services such as water and electricity. Families have been trapped in their homes, and ambulances have faced delays while searching for injured individuals. Witnesses described the aftermath of the military campaign, with significant destruction to infrastructure and homes, leaving twisted rebar and debris scattered throughout the area
As residents began to emerge from their homes to assess the damage, many expressed fears that the Israeli military could return for further operations. Local health officials reported that the fighting in Jenin accounted for a substantial portion of the fatalities attributed to the recent Israeli actions in the West Bank. The Palestinian Ministry of Health indicated that at least 21 of the reported deaths occurred in Jenin, with many others injured during the clashes
The situation remains tense, as Israeli forces continue to conduct operations in other parts of the West Bank, including raids in Bethlehem, Hebron, and Ramallah. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has accused Israel of exporting its destructive tactics from Gaza to the West Bank, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinian civilians
In the wake of the military operation, the Palestinian community has called for accountability, with the Amroha Muslim Committee demanding strict action against the Israeli military for its actions in Jenin. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the allegations of excessive force and potential violations of human rights
The broader context of this conflict is marked by ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the Gaza Strip experiencing significant violence and loss of life. The Health Ministry in Gaza has reported over 40,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict escalated, with many civilians among the casualties. The international community, including the United States, has been urging both sides to negotiate a ceasefire, but significant obstacles remain, particularly regarding Israeli military presence and control in the region
As residents of Jenin begin to sift through the wreckage of their homes, the long-term implications of this military operation and the ongoing conflict continue to loom large, with many questioning the prospects for peace and stability in the region.
