Ramallah: Israel launched a large-scale military operation on Tuesday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, leaving at least six people dead and 35 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.  

The Israeli government described the action as a “significant and broad military operation” targeting Palestinian militants in the city, which has been a flashpoint for violence in recent years. The operation marks the latest escalation amid a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza.  

The military incursion comes only days into a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began on Sunday. The truce aims to last six weeks and has already facilitated the release of three hostages held by militants and 90 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.  

However, the ceasefire does not extend to the West Bank, where violence has surged since the conflict erupted following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. Near-daily Israeli raids in the territory often lead to gun battles, with both sides suffering casualties.  

Escalation on all fronts 

Alongside the military raids, tensions have been exacerbated by attacks on Palestinians by Jewish extremists. On Monday night, rampages were reported in two Palestinian villages. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in Palestinian attacks targeting Israelis.  

Hamas condemned the operation in Jenin, calling for intensified Palestinian resistance.

“We call on our people in the occupied West Bank to step up their attacks,” a Hamas spokesperson declared.  

The Islamic Jihad militant group echoed these sentiments, labelling the operation a “desperate attempt” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stabilise his fragile governing coalition.

“This reflects Israel's failure to achieve its goals in Gaza,” the group stated.  

Pressure on Netanyahu’s coalition 

Prime Minister Netanyahu has faced mounting criticism from far-right allies over the Gaza ceasefire, which required Israeli troops to withdraw from populated areas in the strip. The agreement also involves the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of involvement in fatal attacks on Israelis.  

One prominent ally, Itamar Ben-Gvir, resigned from the government on the day the ceasefire was enacted, weakening Netanyahu’s coalition. Another far-right leader, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has warned of further resignations if Israel does not resume military action in Gaza after the first phase of the ceasefire ends.  

A war with heavy toll

The war began on October 7, when Hamas-led militants launched a deadly incursion into southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and abducting 250 others. Currently, more than 90 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, with a third feared dead.  

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has caused widespread devastation, killing over 47,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Women and children account for more than half of the fatalities, although the number of fighters among the dead remains unclear.  

The ceasefire has allowed Hamas to regain visibility in Gaza, underscoring its control over the territory despite the immense toll of the conflict. As the situation in the West Bank deteriorates, concerns about the stability of the truce and the future of the region continue to grow.

AP