Hundreds of Jenin residents evacuated their homes on Thursday following loudspeaker messages from Israeli military drones, according to eyewitness accounts. This occurred concurrently with the Israeli military demolishing several houses in the Jenin refugee camp, marking the third day of a large-scale operation. The operation involved significant military forces, including armored vehicles, helicopters, and drones, creating considerable disruption within the city. Residents reported dragging suitcases and belongings as they left their homes after receiving drone-delivered evacuation orders. While the Israeli military denied issuing such orders, it stated that it was facilitating the safe departure of residents via organized routes with security protection.
Israeli Military Justification and Actions
Israeli officials stated the operation targeted Iranian-backed militant groups within the Jenin refugee camp, a long-standing hub for Palestinian armed groups. Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, head of the Israeli military, indicated a commitment to continuing the operation until a significant change is achieved in the camp’s status. Armored bulldozers were used to disrupt roads, further hampering movement within the city.
Footage released by the Israeli military showed troops detonating what appeared to be roadside explosives. Overnight on Wednesday, Israeli forces killed two armed men in Burqin, outside Jenin, following a gunfight. These men were suspected of carrying out an attack earlier in the month that resulted in the deaths of three Israelis and was claimed by the armed wing of Hamas.
Casualties and International Response
Palestinian health officials reported 12 Palestinians killed and 40 wounded since the start of the operation. The raid, the third major operation in Jenin in less than two years, prompted warnings from France and Jordan against further escalation in the West Bank, a region already experiencing heightened violence since the Gaza conflict began. The operation commenced during a ceasefire in Gaza, which saw the first exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners since November 2023.
Contrasting Accounts and Ongoing Conflict
The narrative surrounding the evacuations is contested. While residents reported direct orders to evacuate via drones, the Israeli military maintains it did not issue such directives. The operation highlights the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilian populations, with significant disruption and displacement occurring within the Jenin refugee camp. The presence of Hamas, a group with a significant presence in the camp, further complicates the situation and explains the ongoing tensions in the region.
