Nine killed in major Israeli offensive in West Bank days after Gaza truce
- 21 January, 15:40
At least eight people were killed and 30 others were wounded as Israel launched a major offensive on Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, Palestinian health officials said. The Israeli army described the offensive as "Iron Wall" and "counterterrorism operation” in a joint statement with Israel's domestic intelligence agency, Shin Ben.
The bombing accompanied a large-scale ground attack by Israeli troops, which is expected to last several days, Times of Israel reported, citing an unnamed local military source. Security forces of Palestinian Authority (PA) earlier withdrew from Jenin amid the Israeli offensive in the area. Israeli troops have reportedly besieged both al-Amal Hospital and Jenin Governmental Hospital in Jenin. Reports have also emerged of armed clashes between Palestinian resistance fighters and the Israeli forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the offensive on X social media platform X, describing it as “another step toward achieving our goal of enhancing security in the West Bank.” Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the offensive was linked to West Bank’s “security”. “Today, the concept of security in the West Bank is shifting, following Gaza and Lebanon, as part of our broader goals to eliminate terrorism in the region," Smotrich stated.
The large-scale attack comes three days after Israel’s ceasefire deal with Gaza entered its third day.
