Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine) – In a week marked by intensifying violence, Israel launched air strikes on Gaza following rocket fire from Palestinian militants. This escalation comes on the heels of Israel’s largest operation in years in the Jenin refugee camp, a stronghold of Palestinian militancy in the occupied West Bank. Over two days, the Israeli military targeted Jenin with drones and ground forces, killing 12 Palestinians, with one Israeli soldier also losing his life. The military described the mission as a “counter-terrorism operation” aimed at eliminating weapons and disrupting the camp’s militant networks. The aftermath has sparked more tension as Gaza and Israeli cities brace for potential conflict escalation.
Gaza Air Strikes in Response to Rocket Fire
Following the Jenin operation, militants launched five rockets toward southern Israel early Wednesday, intercepted by Israel’s defense system. In retaliation, Israeli fighter jets hit Gaza, targeting facilities Israel says are used by Hamas for producing weapons. Although no group claimed responsibility for the rocket fire, the Israeli military held Hamas accountable, warning that all security violations will face severe consequences.
Rising Tensions in Tel Aviv
In a related incident, a car-ramming and stabbing attack took place in Tel Aviv, where seven people were injured. The attacker, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was shot dead at the scene. Hamas hailed the attack as a “natural response” to the Jenin operation, underscoring the fragile state of Israeli-Palestinian relations as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued efforts to “uproot terrorism.”
Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Displacement
The Jenin operation displaced over 3,000 Palestinians as families fled intense fighting and drone strikes. Many civilians were left without essential services such as water and electricity. The UN expressed alarm over the scope of the operation, noting its impact on densely populated areas. Palestinian officials reported that ambulances were restricted from reaching critical areas, and Israeli bulldozers dug up streets to neutralize explosives, exacerbating infrastructure damage.
Political Repercussions and International Response
As Israel pledges further security actions, Palestinian leaders have condemned the Jenin operation, calling it an unjust invasion. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh criticized statements from foreign governments supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, arguing that only the Palestinian people have a legitimate right to defend themselves against occupation.
Israel’s latest measures in Gaza and Jenin highlight a volatile period of rising tensions and renewed conflict. With the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza under strain, observers worry that any further provocation may lead to a broader escalation affecting the entire region.
