STORY: ::Israeli forces blow up buildings in the occupied
West Bank, saying its operation targets local militants
::Jenin, West Bank
::February 2, 2025
::Palestinian officials say civilians are among the dead
in almost two weeks of Israel’s assault in the West Bank
Thick clouds were seen rising from the Palestinian city where Israeli forces have been conducting a massive operation for nearly two weeks. Israel’s military says the operation is targeted at local militants, including seizing weapons stockpiles.
Asked about the simultaneous demolition of buildings in Jenin, a spokesperson for the military said “several structures used as terrorist infrastructure” had been dismantled.
Jenin is a crowded township built for descendants of Palestinians who were driven out, or fled their homes, in the 1948 war when the state of Israel was established. The refugee camp there has been a centre of militant activity for decades and the target of repeated raids by Israeli security forces.
Israeli forces began their assault on the city on Jan. 21, two days after Israel reached a ceasefire in Gaza with militant group Hamas. Hamas on Sunday called for an “escalation in the resistance” against Israel after the bombing of buildings in Jenin.
The Palestinian Authority, a Hamas rival, exercises limited governance over the West Bank where around 3 million Palestinians live and over which Israel maintains overall military control.
At least 25 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli military operation began, including nine members of armed groups, as well as a two-year-old girl, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military says it has killed at least 35 militants and detained over 100 wanted individuals.
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