The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that Israeli forces killed at least 7 people and injured 27 others during an operation carried out overnight in the city of Jenin in the West Bank. According to the Palestinian news agency, Israeli aircraft targeted several locations within and on the outskirts of Jenin camp with missiles, leading to the deaths of 7 Palestinians, with 27 others injured, including 8 in critical condition. There were reports of several individuals being killed, including Samih Abu Al-Wafa, son of the secretary of the Fatah movement in the city of Jenin.
Following the bombing, according to the agency, a large force of the Israeli army, accompanied by armored military bulldozers, stormed Jenin from several directions, besieging the Jenin camp, cutting off the roads between the city and the camp, seizing several houses and buildings overlooking the camp, deploying snipers on their roofs, and cutting off the electricity supply to large parts of the camp.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that explosive devices were detonated in Israeli military vehicles in Jenin, causing no injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that helicopters launched a large number of missiles at homes and buildings within the camp, while large military bulldozers began demolition and destruction of the camp's entrances.
According to Palestinian local sources, armed clashes took place against Israeli forces in Jenin after their entry into the city. The Israeli army confirmed that one of its soldiers was injured in a grenade explosion during the Jenin operation. Israeli media indicated that the Israeli army has conducted 15 airstrikes so far on areas in Jenin, arresting 20 Palestinians during its current operation in Jenin camp.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen stated today that Israel does not plan to expand its operation in the Palestinian city of Jenin to include the entire occupied West Bank. Cohen told reporters in Jerusalem, "Our goal is to focus on Jenin and on the terrorists and their cells." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant announced that the Israeli army is prepared for any scenario on all fronts. The Israeli army radio announced the deployment of the Iron Dome in anticipation of any response from Gaza and Lebanon.
Sirens were sounded in the city of Jenin, while videos circulated showing roadblocks made of burning tires to hinder advancing forces. Reports suggested a state of general alert has been announced, and preparations began within the city and its camp for a prolonged confrontation. Calls were directed to the residents to participate in the resistance against the attack across all areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army revealed that it targeted "an advanced observation and reconnaissance center, a weapons and explosives site, in addition to a coordination and communication center for militants." The army published an aerial image showing what it claimed to be the target, indicating that the targeted building was located near two schools and a medical center.
At least six drones were observed flying over the city, but the army refrained from confirming whether today's operations included drone strikes, something not seen in the West Bank for over 15 years, until an airstrike killed three militants west of Jenin last month.
