Israel Withdraws Troops Two Days After Airstrikes... "Surprise Attacks Can Resume Anytime"

Drone Airstrikes Used to Devastate Jenin Streets
Over 120 Casualties Reported... Refugees Fleeing

The Israeli military began withdrawing two days after launching a large-scale airstrike on the West Bank, a disputed area with Palestine. This was the largest military operation in over 20 years, involving ground troops and drone strikes, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties and refugees, and leaving streets and buildings devastated.

On the 5th (local time), The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli military started withdrawing forces deployed to the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank the previous evening. The withdrawal has continued into the early morning, with sporadic clashes between Palestinian armed groups and Israeli forces during the process. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson stated, "Our troops left Jenin on the evening of the 4th, but we may return if necessary," leaving open the possibility of further surprise attacks.

The Israeli military launched a two-day operation starting on the 3rd, claiming to eliminate Palestinian armed groups within the Jenin refugee camp, home to 18,000 residents. This operation involved the largest deployment of troops in over 20 years since the Palestinian uprising (Intifada) against Israeli rule in 2000. The operation utilized military bulldozers, ground forces, as well as drone missiles. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) noted, "Israeli airstrikes on the West Bank have become more frequent this year, but the use of drone (missile) strikes is highly unusual."

The ruthless bombardment caused numerous casualties and displaced many residents. Streets and buildings in the Jenin refugee camp, covering approximately 250 acres (about 1,012,000 square meters), were destroyed. According to the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority (PA) Ministry of Health, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and over 120 injured in the operation. It is estimated that about 4,000 people, roughly one-quarter of the entire population of the Jenin refugee camp, fled.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeina strongly condemned the operation in a statement, calling it a "war crime against defenseless Palestinian residents." Accusations against the Israeli military's oppressive behavior also surfaced. Kefa Jayasa claimed that Israeli soldiers forcibly entered homes and detained families. He added that the soldiers even prevented children from eating and blocked ambulances carrying emergency patients from passing outside. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) pointed out, "There are multiple issues related to this operation concerning international human rights norms and standards, including the protection and respect for the right to life."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "We are concluding the mission now, but the extensive operation carried out in Jenin is not a one-time event." Since Netanyahu returned to power in coalition with far-right forces, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has intensified. This year alone, more than 150 Palestinians have died in military clashes between Israel and Palestine in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, marking the deadliest period in history.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right leader who was a key figure in Netanyahu's return, has advocated for expanding settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, territories occupied through war, and ultimately annexing them as national territory. The international community considers Israel's establishment of settlements in territories occupied through war to be a violation of international law.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.