Israeli Troops To Stay in Jenin, Escalating West Bank Crackdown
Israeli forces will maintain their presence in the Jenin refugee camp following a large-scale raid launched last week, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Wednesday. The crackdown in the West Bank has now entered its second week. Backed by helicopters, drones, and armored vehicles, hundreds of Israeli troops have engaged in sporadic clashes with Palestinian fighters while conducting house-to-house searches for weapons and related equipment.
During his visit to the camp, Katz declared, “The Jenin refugee camp will not be what it was,” vowing that troops would remain to prevent the return of what he termed “terrorism.” He provided no further specifics, and a military spokesperson declined to comment.
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The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounced Katz’s remarks as “provocative,” calling for international pressure on Israel to end the operation. The incursion followed the start of a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, with Israel stating it shifted its focus to armed groups in the West Bank.
Palestinian officials report at least 17 deaths in Jenin and nearby villages, including a two-year-old girl. According to the Israeli military, its forces have killed 18 individuals involved in attacks, detained 60, dismantled over 100 explosives, and seized a weapons-manufacturing facility. An investigation into the child’s death is ongoing.
Within the camp, roads have been torn up by specialized bulldozers, and numerous homes have been demolished. Local authorities estimate that around 80% of residents have been forced to flee, leaving many without water or electricity. Elsewhere, additional checkpoints and roadblocks have severely restricted movement, making travel between towns an arduous process.
