Israel's military operation in Jenin and Palestinian attack in Tel Aviv: What you need to know

In a significant military operation conducted by Israel, the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank became the target of a large-scale raid.

It resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier, displacing thousands of people and causing significant damage. Israeli airstrikes and ground troops were used to target militant groups in the area, reported AP.

In retaliation to the operation in Jenin, Palestinian groups launched an attack in Israel's Tel Aviv, where a car ramming and stabbings on Tuesday (July 4) wounded eight people.

The Israeli military finally withdrew its troops from Jenin on Wednesday (July 5) morning, ending the two-day operation.

What happened

The Israeli army launched a major offensive on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, marking their most significant military operation in the region in recent years. The assault, which commenced on Monday (June 3), involved the deployment of hundreds of troops, utilization of drone strikes, and deployment of bulldozers that caused significant damage to the camp's infrastructure, reported AFP.

During the assault, 13 Palestinians lost their lives, as reported by Palestinian health officials. One Israeli soldier was killed by "live fire" during the operation, according to the Israeli army.

During the raid, residents fled the area, seeking safety, as electricity and water services were disrupted. The military defended the use of bulldozers, citing the presence of booby-trapped explosives on the roads.

Why Israel targetted Jenin?

The Israeli army has stated that its main focus in the Jenin refugee camp is to gather weapons. According to a report from Haaretz, they have arrested several Palestinians so far, and they have also discovered a laboratory used for making explosives.

The Israeli army aimed to inflict heavy damage on the militant groups in the Jenin refugee camp, which has been a long-standing bastion of Palestinian militants. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that this operation was not a one-time event and pledged to conduct similar actions if necessary, reported AP.

Israel has been conducting operations in various cities in the West Bank, even though these areas are technically under the control of the Palestinian authority. This increased military presence is a response to a rise in attacks by Palestinians against Israeli soldiers and civilians over the past year.

Retaliatory action

In a separate incident, a Hamas militant carried out a car ramming and stabbing attack at a crowded Tel Aviv bus stop, injuring eight people, including a pregnant woman who reportedly lost her baby. The attacker was killed by an armed bystander.

Hamas claimed this attack as revenge for the Israeli offensive. Furthermore, militants from Hamas-ruled Gaza fired rockets toward Israel, but they were intercepted. In response, Israeli jets targeted several sites in Gaza.

Humanitarian situation

Shops in Jenin were closed due to a general strike, and the refugee camp's streets were deserted and littered with debris. Thousands of people have fled their homes in the camp since the assault began. The camp's mayor highlighted the dire conditions, including the lack of electricity, water, and access to hospitals.

Doctors Without Borders accused the Israeli army of firing tear gas into a hospital, causing the emergency room to fill with smoke and forcing emergency patients to be treated in a main hall.

Background and ongoing conflict

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the Six-Day War in 1967, with around 490,000 Israelis residing in settlements deemed illegal under international law.

The Palestinians demand the complete withdrawal of Israel from the 1967 lands and the dismantling of Jewish settlements. Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed his commitment to strengthening settlements and has shown no interest in reviving peace talks.

Human cost

In 2023, at least 190 Palestinians, 26 Israelis, one Ukrainian, and one Italian have been killed, including combatants and civilians from both sides, reported AFP.