Israeli Military Escalates Assault on Jenin Refugee Camp Amid Widespread Clashes

Watan-The Israeli occupation forces continued their military operation in Jenin refugee camp on Friday for the fourth consecutive day, after imposing a complete siege on it. Meanwhile, the Palestinian resistance reported fierce clashes in the nearby town of Qabatiya, located in the northern West Bank.

Siege and Operations in Jenin Camp

Palestinian sources reported that the occupation forces imposed a curfew in the camp from evening until morning and closed all entrances leading to it.
The attacking forces also continue to surround medical centers and hospitals in the camp.

This morning, Israeli drones were reportedly flying intensively over the camp, according to Palestinian sources.
On Thursday evening, the Israeli army deployed additional troops and armored vehicles around the camp.

The military operation, dubbed “Iron Wall,” began last Tuesday. The Israeli army claims it aims to eliminate what it describes as terrorism, referring to the armed Palestinian resistance in the camp.

So far, the assault has resulted in the killing of 12 Palestinians—including two in the village of Burqin, west of Jenin—injuring over 50 others, and arresting dozens.

Fierce Clashes in Qabatiya

Simultaneously, the occupation forces advanced into the town of Qabatiya, south of Jenin, this morning and surrounded a house in the area.

The Jenin Brigade of the Al-Quds Brigades stated that its fighters were engaged in “fierce battles” with Israeli forces around the besieged house, using gunfire and explosives.

Israeli forces also raided the towns of Arraba and Al-Yamun, north and west of Jenin, at dawn today, conducting raids that led to at least one arrest.

Occupation forces remain stationed around the Jenin camp, with the deputy governor of Jenin expressing fears of a full-scale invasion.

Local Palestinian sources reported intermittent armed clashes between resistance fighters and occupation forces on the outskirts of the camp.

At dawn, resistance fighters reportedly targeted Israeli forces with an explosive device on Al-Nasira Street in Jenin, according to sources speaking to Al Jazeera.

Both the Al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades confirmed in recent hours that they were engaging in heavy clashes with advancing forces, claiming to have inflicted casualties on Israeli soldiers and damaged military equipment.

The Israeli army admitted on Thursday to a soldier being injured during an exchange of fire with two resistance fighters who had fortified themselves in a house. The clash ended with the killing of the two fighters.

Displacement and Repression

Since the beginning of the military operation in Jenin camp, Israeli forces have displaced hundreds of residents from their homes, using what Palestinians have described as repressive methods.

Sources inside the camp reported that the invading forces subjected residents to eye and facial scans for identification purposes, aiming to capture individuals they claimed were wanted, alongside the tight siege imposed on the camp.

Residents also confirmed to Al Jazeera that dozens of young men had been arrested, with no information on their whereabouts.

According to local sources, Israeli “Quadcopter” drones pose a threat to anyone moving within the camp. These drones, developed by the Israeli military, have been heavily used for reconnaissance and targeting civilians since the start of the “Al-Aqsa Storm” on October 7, 2024.

The occupation forces have also carried out demolitions and arson of homes and vehicles, particularly in the Jabriyat and Ghubbez areas. Some buildings have been converted into military outposts, and bulldozers have continued to destroy infrastructure, according to local Palestinian sources.

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society confirmed that the occupation forces are conducting field executions in Jenin and its camp, describing the retaliatory operations as collective punishment intended to suppress any resistance to the occupation.

Israeli Statements

As the military campaign escalates in the northern West Bank, Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated that the army is prepared to conduct a series of operations in Jenin camp, claiming they will “change the situation” in the area.

Meanwhile, Shin Bet (Israel’s internal security agency) chief Ronen Bar declared that Israel is facing a “multi-front war” and that the time has come to defeat “terrorism” in the northern West Bank.

Raids and Arrests

In other developments, the Israeli army announced that it arrested 15 Palestinians in the West Bank last night.

Sources told Al Jazeera that Israeli forces arrested three Palestinians from the same family early today during a raid on a residential building in the northern neighborhood of Nablus, before withdrawing from the area.

The raids extended to other locations, including Tulkarm, where a young man was arrested, and Aqbat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho.

Israeli forces also stormed the town of Anata, north of occupied Jerusalem, arresting 15 young men and interrogating them for several hours, in addition to raiding homes and shops.

In central and southern West Bank, the army raided areas such as Ein Yabrud near Ramallah and towns in Hebron, including Dura.

Humanitarian Toll

Following the “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation, the intensity of Israeli attacks has surged, resulting in the deaths of 873 Palestinians, injuries to approximately 6,700, and the arrest of more than 14,000 others, according to official Palestinian data.