Israeli forces have completed their withdrawal from Nablus and its surrounding areas in the occupied West Bank following a significant operation that lasted over a week. Nablus, known for its resistance activities and home to approximately 130,000 residents, experienced one of the largest military incursions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in recent years.
The IDF stated the operation was a response to ongoing security threats. According to reports, the conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 42 Palestinians, with the majority from the Nablus region, as confirmed by the Palestinian health authorities.
While many of the deceased were affiliated with militant groups, the health ministry reported that the casualties also included civilians, among them several children. Additionally, two Israeli soldiers lost their lives during the operations in Nablus.
In the northern West Bank, the city of Tubas and the al-Faraa refugee camp were subjected to significant military operations, marking one of the deadliest periods since the conflict with Gaza escalated last October following Hamas’s attack on Israel. This operation involved hundreds of Israeli security forces, leading to a lockdown where civilians were confined to their homes, and essential utilities like electricity and water were cut off.
The military engagement included ground battles and airstrikes, targeting what the IDF described as militant infrastructure. Residents of Jenin, particularly those in the camp, have only recently begun to venture out after a nearly week-long military assault that commenced on August 27. The aftermath reveals extensive damage, with homes destroyed, roads torn apart, and infrastructure severely compromised. Khalid abu Sabeer, a local resident, lost part of his home due to an explosion aimed at an old, empty cave beneath his apartment, mistakenly targeted by the IDF.
Mustafa Antir, another resident, described the intensity of the attacks, mentioning the omnipresent threat from various directions, including drones and gunfire. The landscape of Jenin now bears the scars of this conflict, with bullet holes, rubble from bulldozers, and graffiti reflecting the ongoing struggle. A significant hole in the city center’s main road symbolizes the disruption and destruction. Despite the devastation, life attempts to return to normal, with market activities resuming and the community starting to rebuild, albeit under the shadow of recent violence.
Dr. Wissam Bakr from Jenin’s government hospital highlighted the challenges faced during the operation, particularly in the first few days when supplies like power and water were scarce, relying heavily on generators and stored water for critical care. The operation’s impact was not just physical; it also led to emotional and psychological strain, evident in the community’s response to the funerals of those killed, including civilians and militants.
The IDF reported neutralizing several militants, dismantling explosive devices, and destroying what they labeled as terror infrastructure, including a weapons storage facility under a mosque. However, this operation has also resulted in civilian casualties, adding to the complex narrative of conflict and resistance in the region. The Palestinian health ministry reports a significant increase in Palestinian deaths in the West Bank, attributing it to intensified Israeli raids, while Israel justifies these actions as necessary to prevent attacks on its citizens. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions and the cycle of violence that continues to define the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in areas like Jenin, which have become focal points for both military operations and civilian endurance.