Israel launches military operation to combat terrorism in northern West Bank

PTC News Desk: Israeli security forces initiated a military operation in the northern part of the occupied West Bank early Wednesday morning, targeting the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm. The operation was announced by an Israeli military spokesman, Avichay Adraee, who issued a joint statement on Telegram with Israel’s Shin Bet security service, stating that the mission was aimed at “thwarting terrorism.”

According to the Palestinian health ministry, two Palestinian men, aged 25 and 39, were killed by Israeli forces in Jenin during the operation. The deaths add to the growing toll of violence in the West Bank, which has intensified alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This recent military action follows an airstrike carried out by Israel on the West Bank two days earlier, which the Palestinian Authority reported resulted in five fatalities.

Violence in the West Bank has sharply increased since the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following Hamas’s attack on October 7. Since then, more than 640 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, according to figures from the Palestinian health ministry compiled by AFP. Meanwhile, at least 19 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks during this period, as reported by Israeli officials.

The rising death toll and continued military actions underscore the ongoing tensions and violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians in the region.

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