The raid on Jenin in the occupied West Bank was carried out, among other things, with the help of drones. It is described as the largest of its kind in years. At least eight Palestinians have been killed and ten seriously injured during today’s Israeli raid, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.
In the evening, the office of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas announced that he is suspending all contacts and all security cooperation with Israel. The decision was made after Abbas had a meeting with other leaders within the Palestinian Authority, writes the Jerusalem Post.
“Sanctuary for terrorists”
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu says in connection with a speech at the American embassy that the purpose of the operation is to stop terrorists who want to destroy Israel. The effort should last as long as necessary, he adds, according to the Jerusalem Post.
– In recent months, Jenin has become a haven for terrorists, claims Netanyahu.
Gunfire and explosions have shaken both Jenin’s city center and the large refugee camp. Palestinians have thrown stones at Israeli soldiers and the smoke from burning barricades has darkened the sky, according to an AFP reporter on the ground. He states that several buildings and places have been bombed.
Can last for days
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the operation is proceeding according to plan, but gives no indication of when it might end. It may last for several days, military spokesman Richard Hecht told the BBC:
– We are in the middle of the operation. We are not there to take ground or stay there, we are focused on specific goals inside the camp. So it could take hours or maybe a day or two.
The Arab League has called for an emergency meeting on Tuesday to “discuss an Arab mobilization to meet Israel’s attack on Jenin”.
In recent weeks, violence has escalated in the West Bank. The UN Security Council has called on both Israel and Palestine to avoid actions that could increase tensions.