Nine Palestinians were killed and 35 injured as Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The operation, supported by airstrikes, drones, helicopters, and armored bulldozers, targeted the city and its refugee camp.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation, named “Iron Wall,” as an “extensive and significant” effort to “defeat terrorism.” Jenin has long been regarded as a stronghold for Palestinian armed groups.
Jenin’s governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, called the operation an “invasion of the camp,” while Palestinian media reported heavy damage to infrastructure, including streets dug up by armored bulldozers. The official Palestinian news agency, Wafa, said medical personnel were among the injured.
The violence highlights rising tensions in the West Bank, where incidents involving Israeli settlers have also escalated. Overnight, masked settlers attacked Palestinians in two villages near Qalqilya, injuring 21 people and destroying property, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Israel has increased operations in the West Bank, citing efforts to curb Palestinian attacks. Palestinian officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, condemned the Jenin raid as part of a series of “aggressive Israeli measures.”
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad called for increased resistance in response to the operation. Meanwhile, the U.S. reversed sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of attacks, a move criticized by Palestinian officials.
