Israeli offensive in northern West Bank continues for 16th day

By Qais Abu Samra and Ahmed Asmar

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) – The Israeli army’s offensive in the occupied northern West Bank entered its 16th day on Wednesday as troops continued raids on Palestinian homes.

Israel launched the military operation in Jenin and its refugee camp on Jan. 21, killing 25 Palestinians as of Tuesday morning. On Jan. 27, the military expanded its offensive to Tulkarem, where four Palestinians were killed, and on Sunday, it extended to the Tammun and Al-Far’a refugee camps in Tubas Governorate.

Israeli drones continued to fly over the besieged Jenin refugee camp, with explosions heard across the area, witnesses said.

In Tulkarem, Israeli forces destroyed parts of the city’s infrastructure, turned several homes into military barracks, and forced hundreds of families to flee.

According to official figures, 75% of the Tulkarem refugee camp’s residents have been displaced.

The army also raided homes in Tammun and Al-Far’a refugee camp, forcing residents out and using some buildings as military positions, according to witnesses.

Israeli forces carried out field interrogations of dozens of Palestinians and destroyed infrastructure in the area.

At least 70 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank since the start of the year, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

On Tuesday, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa said Israel had displaced 5,000 families during its offensive in the northern West Bank.

The escalation in the occupied territory followed a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza on Jan. 19, after more than 15 months of Israel’s genocidal war that has killed more than 47,500 Palestinians and devastated the enclave.

Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 905 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.