Israel Launches Military Operation in Jenin Refugee Camp

In a tragic turn of events, the Israeli army unleashed a brutal air and ground assault on the refugee camp located in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin. Reports indicate that the attack has resulted in the loss of nine Palestinian lives, with an additional 50 individuals injured, ten of whom are in critical condition. Disturbingly, this recent aggression by Israel appears to be escalating since Benjamin Netanyahu assumed office as prime minister.

Eyewitnesses on the ground have recounted a series of horrifying events. The Israeli army conducted more than ten airstrikes, including a missile attack, while also resorting to drone strikes. Armored vehicles effectively encircled the Jenin refugee camp, cutting off all avenues of escape. Tragically, due to this siege, ambulances were unable to reach the injured in time, resulting in preventable loss of life. This operation by Netanyahu’s hard-right government is reported to be the largest of its kind in the past five years, involving the utilization of bulldozers, armored vehicles, and drones.

The situation took an even more sinister turn when Israeli forces employed drones to attack an apartment—an unprecedented use of this technology. Witnesses reported at least six drones circling the city and its adjacent camp. It is important to note that this area is densely populated, accommodating approximately 14,000 refugees within a confined space of less than half a square kilometer. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported a rare occurrence during this operation—an airborne missile launched from a helicopter.

Mahmoud al-Saadi, the director of the Palestinian Red Crescent, confirmed the extensive aerial and ground bombardment, with multiple homes and structures bearing the brunt of the assault. Smoke billowed from all directions, adding to the chaos and despair felt by the camp’s inhabitants. Palestinian ambulance driver Khaled Al-Ahmad described the situation as nothing short of a full-scale war unfolding within the refugee camp.

The armed group known as the Mujahideen’s Janine Brigades announced their engagement with Israeli forces and claimed to have successfully downed one of the attacking drones. Meanwhile, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Sh Tanbiya decried the ongoing assault as a deliberate attempt to destroy the camp and render its people homeless. He expressed determination that the resilient Palestinian population would resist this aggression, unfolding under the watchful eyes of the international community. The Palestinian Prime Minister further affirmed their refusal to succumb to oppression, vowing to fight until the criminal occupation comes to an end.

In response, a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the Israeli action as yet another war crime perpetrated against defenseless individuals. He emphasized that such actions would not contribute to security or stability in the region. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s brutality, emphasizing that the Israeli government must be held accountable for these reprehensible acts.

Israel’s foreign minister attempted to justify the attack by asserting that their target was not the Palestinian people but rather the militant groups operating in Jenin, allegedly backed by Iran. Nevertheless, the United Nations criticized Israel’s use of advanced military weaponry in Jenin, acknowledging the highly tense situation within the refugee camp. The operation by the Israeli army has resulted in severe damage to homes and infrastructure, leaving roads in ruins.