Sun Feb 02 21:57:48 IST 2025: ## Israeli Military Operation in Jenin Causes Widespread Destruction and Casualties

**JENIN, West Bank –** A major Israeli military operation in Jenin refugee camp has resulted in widespread destruction and multiple casualties, escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank. Powerful explosions, heard across Jenin and surrounding towns, leveled at least 20 homes Sunday, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Israeli military confirmed the destruction of “several buildings” used as “terrorist infrastructure,” though it provided no evidence.

The attacks follow the killing of a 73-year-old Palestinian man by Israeli forces earlier in the day, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since mid-January to at least 50, according to the Israeli military. In a separate incident, a 27-year-old man was killed in Arroub. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported damage to sections of Jenin Government Hospital due to the explosions, although there were no reported casualties within the hospital.

Witnesses described horrific scenes and a city under curfew. Jenin resident Henna al-Haj Hassan stated that attacks have been ongoing for two weeks, leaving residents fearing for their safety and many families displaced due to the destruction of their homes. Ahmed Tobasi, another resident, described the situation as unbearable, highlighting that many houses were home to multiple families.

The Israeli military launched the operation as part of its “Iron Wall” offensive, targeting Palestinian armed groups. The operation, which has now spread to five villages, has resulted in the displacement of approximately 15,000 Palestinians and has been condemned by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is not an isolated incident, with reports of Israeli settlers attacking a cemetery in Silwan and setting fire to a mosque in Arab al-Mleihat, all occurring amid a surge of violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli government claims the actions are necessary to counter Iranian-backed armed groups, alleging that Iran is supplying weapons and funds to Palestinian groups in the West Bank. The Palestinian narrative paints the operation as an act of unrestrained aggression against civilian infrastructure and population, further inflaming already tense relations. The international community is closely watching the unfolding situation with growing concern.

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