Synopsis
On February 2, the Israeli military announced a significant expansion of its operations in the northern occupied West Bank, with raids in Tammun and ongoing activities in Jenin. The campaign has led to numerous casualties and forced evacuations in affected areas, raising tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian communities.Key Takeaways
- Israeli military expands operations in northern West Bank.
- Raids conducted in Tammun and Jenin.
- Recent airstrikes resulted in multiple Palestinian casualties.
- Local authorities suspended school classes due to military activities.
- Escalation follows a ceasefire in Gaza.
Jerusalem, Feb 2 (NationPress) The Israeli military announced on Sunday the escalation of its extensive campaign in the northern occupied West Bank.
During the night, Israeli forces conducted a raid in the town of Tammun, located north of Nablus, where an airstrike last week resulted in the deaths of 10 militants, a military spokesperson reported. The troops discovered an M-16 rifle along with ammunition.
The spokesperson added that Israeli forces were gearing up to invade four additional towns and villages in the vicinity, with an ongoing operation in Jenin, situated further north in the West Bank.
The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli ground troops and bulldozers entered the region, compelling several families to evacuate their residences on the town's outskirts. Bulldozers constructed earth mounds, obstructing the primary road leading into the town.
On Sunday, a 73-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers in the Jenin refugee camp, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Israel initiated its most significant military operation in Jenin in several years on January 21, labeling it a counterterrorism operation. Since the offensive commenced, at least 25 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli forces, based on Palestinian sources.
Israeli military vehicles and two bulldozers advanced into the town of Tammun, southeast of Tubas city, and the al-Far'a refugee camp, imposing a curfew in both locations.
Witnesses indicated that Israeli soldiers forced families from their homes in the al-Far'a camp, converting the buildings into military posts.
The Palestinian official news agency WAFA verified the Israeli incursions in both areas.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society accused Israeli forces of obstructing their medics from evacuating an ill Palestinian in the al-Far'a camp.
Local authorities in Tubas suspended school sessions in Tammun and al-Far'a camps following the Israeli operations.
Earlier on Saturday, a 16-year-old Palestinian boy was among five fatalities resulting from Israeli airstrikes on Jenin, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The airstrikes formed part of a large-scale Israeli military operation that has persisted for nearly three weeks.
The Israeli military initiated raids in the city of northern West Bank on January 21, merely two days after a cease-fire was established in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Since then, hundreds of Israeli soldiers, supported by the Air Force, have targeted Palestinian territories, allegedly in pursuit of military arms and equipment.
