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Occupied West Bank – Israeli forces conducted raids across the West Bank on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians and the sealing off of the city of Jenin, according to Palestinian officials. This marks another escalation in the violence that has continued since the war began on October 7.
Palestinian militant groups reported exchanging fire with Israeli forces during the raids. Jenin's governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, stated that the Israeli troops had blocked access to hospitals, exit points, and critical infrastructure within the Jenin refugee camp.
The Israeli military confirmed operations were being carried out in the West Bank cities of Jenin and Tulkarem but provided no further details. These raids are part of near-daily operations that have been ongoing since the escalation began.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that seven people were killed in Tubas and two in Jenin during the latest raids. The two in Jenin were identified as Qassam Jabarin, 25, and Asem Balout, 39. Since the beginning of the war, over 652 Palestinians in the West Bank have lost their lives due to Israeli military action.
Israel justifies the operations as necessary to dismantle militant groups and prevent further attacks. However, the violence continues to claim lives and deepen divisions.
The conflict intensified after October 7, when Hamas militants entered southern Israel, leading to widespread violence that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the capture of around 250 hostages.
In response, Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza has caused the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The majority of Gaza's population has been displaced, and Israeli military actions have led to widespread destruction.
Efforts by international mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages have so far made little progress. Negotiations are expected to continue in Qatar as calls for a lasting peace remain urgent but elusive.