Israeli raid in West Bank kills 8 in Jenin as tensions soar
The operation follows Israeli concerns about the presence of Iran-backed groups in the Palestinian territory as well as a crackdown by the Palestinian Authority's security services.
At least eight Palestinians were killed in a major Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, as the security situation in the area deteriorates.
The ministry said that eight people had been killed as of 4:30 p.m. local time (9:30 a.m. EST) in Jenin and the eponymous refugee camp. Another 35 sustaining injuries, the Palestinian Authority's WAFA news agency reported. The Israeli military used warplanes, drones, military vehicles and snipers in the operation and the death toll is likely to rise, according to the agency.
WEST BANK: At least 6 Palestinians have been killed and 35 others injured in a large-scale Israeli raid in Jenin. pic.twitter.com/dmQZLWXgoD
— Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut) January 21, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the military has “begun an extensive and significant military operation to defeat terrorism in Jenin," claiming those targeted were from Iran-backed groups.
"We are acting methodically and with determination against the Iranian axis wherever it reaches,” read the statement.
