Israel’s military operation in the West Bank has entered its second day, with five more Palestinians killed in Tulkarm. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim the victims were “terrorists” hiding in a mosque. However, the Palestinian health ministry reports a total of 12 deaths since the operation began.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel to halt the operation, warning it’s fueling an already volatile situation. He calls for maximum restraint and lethal force only when unavoidable.
The IDF identified one of the fatalities as Mohammed Jaber, a local leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group. They claim he was planning attacks on Israelis.
In Jenin, Israeli forces have blocked access to the refugee camp where ambulances are being stopped and checked. Residents, medics, and journalists are struggling to get information from inside the camp.
This operation is the largest in the West Bank since the second Palestinian intifada two decades ago. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, says the goal is to prevent Iranian-backed terror attacks.
However, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warns against extending the Gaza war to the West Bank. He’s considering sanctions against Israeli ministers for promoting hate messages and violating international law.
The situation remains tense, with conflicting death tolls and limited access to information. The international community is calling for de-escalation and restraint.
