Israel intensified its large-scale military operations in the West Bank, leading to the deaths of at least 16 Palestinians over two days, despite warnings from the UN about exacerbating an already volatile situation.
The Israeli military launched the "counter-terrorism" operation across northern West Bank towns and refugee camps, including Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas. Israeli forces, supported by troops, armored vehicles, and aircraft, encircled these areas and engaged in fierce clashes with Palestinian militants.
The Israeli army reported killing seven militants on Thursday, including five in the Tulkarem refugee camp, one of whom was identified as Muhammad Jaber, an Islamic Jihad commander. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the death toll, aligning with Israeli figures.
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The operation has caused significant destruction, particularly in Tulkarem, where Governor Mustafa Taqatqa described the situation as "unprecedented."
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that Israeli forces had confiscated homes for military use and effectively besieged several medical facilities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate end to the operations, condemning the airstrikes and the resulting casualties, including children.
Israeli forces continued their military campaign in Gaza, which has already claimed over 40,000 lives, according to Gaza's health ministry.
The UN has raised concerns about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where essential services are collapsing under the pressure of ongoing conflict. Israel agreed to a three-day humanitarian pause in parts of Gaza to facilitate a vaccination drive following the detection of polio in the region.
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