The Israeli military says Sunday night’s operation targeted an “observation and reconnaissance site,” an arms cache and shelter for Palestinians alleged to have carried out attacks on Israeli targets in recent months.
“After the attack two weeks ago, in which four Israelis were killed, the country has decided to cut down the militants in Jenin.”
Ralph Dekkers, Israel correspondent, acknowledges that the city has traditionally been a hotbed of resistance. “Israel holds fifty Jenin perpetrators responsible for the bombings and shootings,” he says. “After the attack two weeks ago, in which four Israelis were killed, the country has decided to tear up the militants in the city.” The correspondent calls the raid the result of the far-right government in power in Israel. “In recent weeks, they have increased the pressure to act decisively.”
‘The death toll will continue to rise’
The scale of the attack, according to Dekkers, is unprecedented since the second intifada, the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in the early 2000s. “This operation should last another day or two,” he says. “Eight dead have already been counted. But due to the violence, ambulances are unable to arrive at the scene. As a result, the death toll is expected to be much higher.’
Dekkers also expects a Palestinian response to Israeli violence, particularly from the Gaza Strip. Palestinian groups have already said they will respond. Israel has deployed its anti-aircraft guns on Gaza.” But there is also fierce resistance in Jenin itself. Street fights take place there. And attacks are also expected to take place again in Jewish settlements.’