A series of powerful explosions shook Jenin in the occupied West Bank as Israel continued military operations aimed at what it calls “terrorist infrastructure.”
Videos and images from the area showed plumes of dark smoke rising from multiple blasts. The Palestinian state news agency reported that around 20 buildings in the Jenin refugee camp were leveled. Jenin hospital director Wisam Baker told the agency that part of the hospital was damaged in the explosions, but no casualties were reported there.
Israel confirmed Sunday that its forces had “dismantled 23 structures” in Jenin.
The operation comes as Israel has escalated military actions in the West Bank following the recent ceasefire in Gaza. Since launching its offensive in Jenin on Jan. 21, two days after the truce took effect, Israeli forces have engaged in ongoing battles with Palestinian militants.
The Israeli military claims to have killed more than 35 people it identified as “terrorists.” However, Palestinian officials report that at least 25 Palestinians have been killed, including nine members of armed groups, an elderly man, and a two-year-old girl.
On Sunday, a 73-year-old man was shot and killed by Israeli forces in Jenin. A day earlier, a 16-year-old boy was among five people killed by Israeli airstrikes, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The Israeli military said its air force targeted “armed terrorists.”
The ongoing Israeli operations have left a devastating impact on Jenin’s residents. Dozens of homes have been demolished, roads in the refugee camp have been torn up, and thousands have been forced to flee. Palestinian officials estimate that 80% of the camp’s inhabitants have been displaced. Water supplies have also been cut off.
Israel claims that Iran has been smuggling weapons into the West Bank, and its military is acting against the “Iranian axis.” Alongside near-daily military raids, there has also been a rise in violence by Israeli settlers.
As tensions rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. Jordan’s King Abdullah will also meet with Trump on Feb. 11, following U.S. proposals for Egypt and Jordan to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, hostage and prisoner exchanges continued over the weekend as the ceasefire holds.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Wednesday that Israeli forces would remain in Jenin until the military operation is complete, though he did not specify a timeline.
