The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully destroyed a mobile explosives laboratory in the Jenin refugee camp, according to a statement released by the IDF on their Telegram channel.
The operation resulted in the elimination of five terrorism suspects and the arrest of 21 individuals who were wanted on similar charges. Additionally, a supporter of Hamas, who was responsible for a shooting incident on August 19, 2023, was also apprehended.
In total, the IDF and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) arrested 29 people in the West Bank during the latest operation. Since the start of the conflict between Hamas and Israel, over 2,000 terrorism suspects have been arrested in the West Bank, with approximately 1,100 of them being Hamas supporters.
Prior to this operation, Hamas had reported a violation of the ceasefire agreement by Israel.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated on October 7th when Hamas launched the “Flood of Al-Aqsa” operation, with thousands of armed supporters infiltrating Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip. Israel’s counter-operation, named “Iron Swords,” aimed to repel the attack, free over 200 hostages (including foreign nationals), and eliminate Hamas.
On October 27th, Israel announced an “expansion” of its ground operation in Gaza. The exact start date of this operation remains unknown, but hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had already evacuated their homes and sought shelter in underground facilities and the southern part of the enclave. As of November 5th, fighting in the center of Gaza continues despite the IDF’s surrounding of the city.
On November 22nd, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of some hostages. The first stage of the deal involves a four-day cessation of hostilities and the exchange of 50 prisoners held in Gaza for 150 Palestinians incarcerated in Israeli prisons. Additional individuals may be released in the second stage. For every 10 hostages released, the ceasefire will be extended by one day. Hamas has also promised to release two Russian prisoners immediately after the cessation of hostilities. The ceasefire agreement officially went into effect on November 24th.
Previously, it had been reported that the ultra-right-wing Jewish Orthodox would oversee the administration of the West Bank.
