Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, according to Palestinian officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their operations across the occupied West Bank, including a significant military presence in the city of Jenin, which has been completely sealed off. The city’s entry and exit points have been blocked, including access to hospitals, following a series of raids described by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz as a “full-fledged war” against “Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructures.”
The IDF confirmed operations in Jenin and Tulkarm, and Palestinian sources report that seven people were killed in Tubas early Wednesday, with an additional two fatalities in Jenin. The victims in Jenin have been identified as Qassam Jabarin, 25, and Asem Balout, 39.
In response to the escalating conflict, armed factions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah have announced their engagement with Israeli forces. Clashes in the West Bank have intensified since the 7 October attacks and the subsequent invasion of Gaza, leading to frequent vigilante-style attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities.
In a separate development, the IDF announced the elimination of five individuals in Nur Shams on Monday, describing them as terrorists. This includes Jibril Jasan Ismail, who was reportedly released in a November 2023 agreement, as well as Mohanad Qarawi, Muhammad Yussef, and Adnan Jaber.
The violence has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports at least 637 deaths in the West Bank since early October, including armed fighters, stone-throwing youths, and civilians. In contrast, Israeli reports indicate at least 30 Israeli fatalities in Jerusalem and the West Bank during the same period.
In Gaza, Israeli strikes have also claimed at least 16 lives in Khan Younis, including five women and three children. The fatalities include a brother and sister, and their relative, who died in their home. Additionally, a late-night airstrike in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of local journalist Mohamed Abdrabu and his sister.