Israel Concludes Operation in Jenin Refugee Camp, Leaving Destruction and Tensions Behind
Israel has announced the end of a two-day operation in the Jenin refugee camp, which resulted in the deaths of 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier. The operation, the largest in two decades, utilized airstrikes, marking a new precedent for deadlier reprisals in the West Bank conflict. Israeli authorities claim that the operation cleared the camp of hundreds of weapons and confiscated significant amounts of “terror funds.”
However, the aftermath of the operation revealed the devastating impact on the camp and its residents. The streets were filled with churned asphalt, pulverized cars, and destroyed infrastructure. Water and power supplies were cut off, and residents were forced to flee their homes. Thousands of Jenin residents sought refuge elsewhere, fearing that their houses were targeted by Israeli forces.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this operation signifies Israel’s commitment to preventing the Jenin camp from becoming a safe haven for terrorism. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted the lack of civilian casualties as a success. However, Camp residents and Israeli analysts disagree, warning that this operation will only fuel more violence.
Former deputy head of Israel’s national security council, Itamar Yaar, stated that similar activities could be expected in the future. He clarified that the operations were not aimed at deterrence but rather at limiting the capabilities of terrorists in the camp.
The impact on civilians cannot be denied. Fathya al-Sadi, a 69-year-old widow, recounted the terrifying experience of hiding with her family and neighbors during the operation. She eventually fled to her brother’s apartment outside the camp. Upon their return, many residents found their homes partially or fully destroyed by the airstrikes.
The situation in the camp remains tense, with militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad present. The Palestinian Authority has minimal presence in the area. As Israel withdraws, a group of militants conducted a funeral procession, firing their weapons into the air and chanting slogans. Many militants who fled during the operation are expected to return through tunnels and clandestine passageways.
The true impact of the operation on the militants’ capabilities remains uncertain. Adi Carmi, a former official in Israel’s internal security service, suggests that Israel will have to wait and see if it has achieved temporary respite. However, he emphasized that Israel is determined to prevent Jenin from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
The scars of this operation will last beyond the physical destruction. It has further strained the already tense relationship between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the West Bank.