Intensified Raids in the West Bank
On Thursday, Israeli forces intensified their military campaign in the occupied West Bank, killing five Hamas militants. This operation marks one of the deadliest periods of conflict in the region since the start of the Gaza war. The Israeli military has targeted areas including Jenin, Tulkarem, and the Al-Faraa refugee camp, following a recent invasion that has heightened tensions.
UN Urges Halt to Military Action
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urgently called for an immediate halt to Israel’s operations in the West Bank. Guterres warned that these actions are exacerbating an already volatile situation and undermining the Palestinian Authority. His concerns reflect growing international anxiety about the potential long-term consequences of the escalating conflict.
Surge in Violence and Casualties
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, Israeli raids have become a near-daily occurrence in the West Bank, aimed at dismantling militant groups. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that at least 652 Palestinians have died in these operations over the past 10 months. The raids, intended to curb attacks on Israeli citizens, have also sparked increased violence and calls for resistance from Palestinian factions.
Israeli Justification and Strategic Concerns
The Israeli government argues that expanding military actions into the West Bank is necessary to combat Hamas and prevent Iranian influence. Foreign Minister Israel Katz has accused Iran of supporting terrorist activities in the region. However, experts suggest that without a clear strategy, such operations might persist without effectively defeating Hamas. The UN Human Rights Office has expressed concerns about the potential deepening of the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank.
Settler Violence and Expansion Risks
The conflict has also seen a rise in violent settler attacks, exacerbating the situation for Palestinian civilians. The UN has criticized Israel’s military tactics and the expansion of illegal settlements. Over 700,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank, contributing to the tension as Israel plans to approve thousands of new settlements. The International Court of Justice has declared Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories as unlawful, further complicating the region’s already strained dynamics.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The New York Times
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