Israeli forces attack in West Bank’s Jenin kill five, many hospitals under siege

Israeli forces launched a major raid on the city of Jenin in the West Bank, leaving at least five people dead and 14 others injured, according to Palestinian sources. The overnight attacks, which extended into Friday, targeted the Jenin refugee camp and saw the surrounding of at least four hospitals by Israeli soldiers.

The raid, lasting about eight hours, involved the deployment of at least 80 military vehicles into Jenin, where Palestinian homes were raided and several people were detained. Violent clashes were reported during the operation. The Israeli military alleged an exchange of fire with Palestinian fighters, claiming they used ambulances to flee towards the Ibn Sina Hospital to seek refuge.

Ibn Sina Hospital, one of the largest in the occupied West Bank, became a focal point as Israeli forces entered, instructing medical staff to evacuate the hospital. Some doctors resisted, leading to the arrest of two paramedics. The nature of the raid, particularly targeting a hospital, drew attention and criticism.

Emergency services were reportedly prevented by Israeli forces from reaching the injured, potentially risking lives. The raid took place amidst an already heightened atmosphere in the West Bank since Israel initiated its war on Hamas on October 7, resulting in over 11,500 deaths in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military justified its actions by stating that Palestinian fighters, engaged in a firefight, sought refuge at the hospital to hide. This incident follows a recent attack in which three Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers after opening fire at a West Bank checkpoint, resulting in the death of one Israeli soldier.

The West Bank has witnessed a surge in small arms and explosive attacks in recent weeks, reflecting mounting anger over civilian deaths in Gaza and the ongoing occupation. The overall death toll in the West Bank since October 7 stands at 203 Palestinians killed in Israeli raids.