Israeli forces conducted an aerial counterterrorism operation in Al-Faraa refugee camp, killing four armed militants. Palestinian health ministry reported at least nine people killed. The governor of Jenin stated that Israeli forces surrounded the area, blocking access to hospitals. Nihad Al-Shawish warned civilians in Tulkarem to evacuate before the raids.
Foreign Minister Katz linked the raids to the ongoing war in Gaza, calling it a “full-fledged war” that Israel must win. He stated that the IDF was intensively targeting “Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructures” in Jenin and Tulkarem. Katz accused Iran of funding and arming terrorists in the West Bank.
Israel frequently blames Iran for violence in the region, accusing them of supporting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The raids came amid escalating tensions in the region, including hostilities at the northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah vowed retaliation for the assassination of one of their commanders, Fuad Shukr.
This recent operation is part of Israel’s efforts to counter threats from terrorist groups in the West Bank. The Israeli government sees Iran as a key player in supporting these groups and aims to prevent them from establishing an eastern front against Israel similar to Gaza and Lebanon. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and tensions with Iran-backed groups add complexity to the situation and raise concerns about further escalation in the region.
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