In a recent devastating attack on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces launched a major raid that resulted in the deaths of at least five people and left 14 others injured, according to Palestinian sources. The attack, which lasted overnight and into Friday, involved the use of a drone strike on the camp. This incident highlights the increasing frequency of air strikes in the West Bank, as the war in Gaza continues to escalate.
During the raid, a number of hospitals were surrounded, preventing emergency services from reaching the injured and potentially putting lives at risk. The Ibn Sina Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in the occupied West Bank, was also targeted by Israeli forces. Medical staff were ordered to evacuate the hospital, but some doctors refused to comply, leading to the arrest of two paramedics.
The Israeli military claimed that they had exchanged fire with Palestinian fighters, who allegedly sought refuge in the hospital to evade capture. The tensions in the area have been escalating since Israel’s war on Hamas began on October 7, resulting in a staggering death toll of at least 11,500 people in the Gaza Strip.
Notably, this raid took place in the Jenin refugee camp, where clashes have been intense on a daily basis. However, the nature of this particular attack, targeting a hospital and the manner in which Israeli forces conducted the raid, has drawn widespread condemnation. The use of ambulances by Palestinian fighters to flee towards the hospital further complicates the situation.
In addition to the raid on Jenin, Israeli forces also conducted home raids in the town of Ni’lin, west of Ramallah, resulting in the arrest of at least 28 people. These actions have further fueled anger and frustration among Palestinians, who have been protesting the civilian deaths in Gaza and the ongoing occupation of the West Bank.
The West Bank has witnessed an alarming rise in violence, with small arms attacks and explosives becoming more frequent. These attacks are seen as a response to Israel’s intensified pressure on Palestinian communities. Since October 7, a total of 203 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank.
The situation in the region remains highly volatile and continues to escalate. The international community must take immediate action to address the ongoing conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
