Israeli forces persist in their operation within the Jenin refugee camp, pursuing Palestinian militants and confiscating weaponry. The extensive operation has led to widespread displacement, with thousands of residents seeking refuge elsewhere. The Palestinian death toll has climbed to 10 over the course of two days, escalating tensions in the region.

This large-scale incursion into the Jenin camp, echoing tactics employed during the second Palestinian intifada (uprising) of the early 2000s, unfolds as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure from ultranationalist factions within his government. They demand a forceful response to recent attacks targeting Israeli settlers, including a shooting incident that claimed the lives of four individuals last month.

The refugee camp now lies devastated, with significant damage to infrastructure and a lack of essential resources like water and electricity. A general strike has been called across the West Bank as a demonstration of Palestinian resistance against the Israeli operation. Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Tel Aviv, a car plowed into pedestrians, resulting in several injuries. Police have labeled it a deliberate attack, and the driver was fatally shot by a civilian at the scene. Hamas has praised the attack as an act of retaliation for the ongoing military operations in Jenin.

The Jenin refugee camp, situated in the northern West Bank, has long been considered a stronghold of Palestinian militant activity. The current operation has witnessed Israeli forces using bulldozers to clear paths and demolish structures, leading to widespread destruction and displacement. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate their homes, seeking shelter with relatives or in temporary accommodations.

The Palestinian Health Ministry has confirmed the rising death toll, while the Israeli military maintains that all those killed were militants. During the operation, Israeli forces have reportedly seized weapons, uncovered and destroyed tunnels, and dismantled command posts within the camp. The Israeli military asserts that the operation was initiated in response to approximately 50 attacks originating from Jenin over the past year.

The international community has responded with concern to the escalating violence. Several Arab nations, including Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have condemned the Israeli incursion. The Palestinian Authority has also strongly criticized the operation. This surge in violence comes amidst a broader escalation of Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the past year, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Israel maintains that its operations are necessary to counter militant activity and prevent further attacks, while Palestinians argue that the violence stems from the lack of a political solution, continued settlement construction, and actions by extremist settlers.

Residents of the Jenin refugee camp flee their homes as the Israeli military press ahead with an operation in the area on July 4, 2023.  (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)