The Israeli military said Tuesday that security forces have launched a counter-terrorism operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, just days after a ceasefire took effect in the other Palestinian territory of Gaza.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least two Palestinians were killed and others wounded in an Israeli attack on a refugee camp near the city.
Last week, three people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp.
The Israeli operation was preceded by a week-long effort by Palestinian Authority security forces to gain control of Jenin and the camp, which is home to armed terrorist groups.
increasing violence
The Gaza war has brought with it an increase in violence in the West Bank. The health ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, when the militant group Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel that triggered the Gaza conflict.
Israel says it is trying to end terrorism in the region.
However, violence is also increasing between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents of the West Bank.
Late Monday night, groups of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, smashing cars and burning property, just as newly minted US President Donald Trump announced he was lifting sanctions on violent settlers. Which were imposed by his predecessor Joe Biden.
The attacks occurred near the village of al-Fanduq, where three Israelis were killed in gunfire earlier this month.
tj/nm (Reuters, AP, AFP)
