Israeli military forces launched a deadly raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank early this morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians and leaving dozens more injured. The assault, which began in the early hours of Tuesday and continued well into the night, is expected to last for several more days, according to Israeli authorities.

The operation, named “Iron Wall,” was ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated that the objective of the raid was to "eradicate terrorism" in the region. The Israeli government has cited increasing violence from Palestinian militant groups in the West Bank as justification for the operation, which has drawn widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.

Death Toll and Casualties

According to Palestinian health officials, at least 10 Palestinians have been killed, and 35 others have been injured, many critically. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that its first responders were able to treat at least seven people who were wounded by live ammunition, but access to the camp was severely restricted by Israeli forces, hampering efforts to provide aid.

The intense military assault included airstrikes from Apache helicopters and the deployment of heavily armored vehicles throughout the refugee camp. Residents described a chaotic scene, with explosions, gunfire, and the sound of military aircraft overhead throughout the day and into the evening.

International Concerns and Accusations

The raid has sparked outrage from human rights organizations and international leaders. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for “maximum restraint” from all security forces in the region, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further civilian casualties. He also expressed deep concern over the rising tensions in the West Bank and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Israeli NGO B’Tselem accused the Israeli government of using the Gaza ceasefire as an “excuse and opportunity to escalate the oppression of West Bank Palestinians.” The organization condemned the raid, labeling it a “repression of civilians” under the guise of security operations. “This is not what a ceasefire looks like,” the group said in a statement.

Local officials in Jenin have expressed outrage at the scale of the operation. Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, described the attack as an “invasion” of the refugee camp, noting the rapid deployment of military forces and airstrikes. “It came quickly, Apache helicopters in the sky and Israeli military vehicles everywhere,” he told AFP.

Injuries and Civilian Impact

A spokesman for the Palestinian security forces confirmed that Israeli forces had “opened fire on civilians and security personnel,” leading to injuries among both groups. One security officer was reported to be in critical condition following the clashes. The raid has left much of the camp in disarray, with families displaced and homes destroyed or severely damaged.

Palestinian leaders have decried the attack as part of a broader Israeli strategy to suppress resistance and quell dissent in the West Bank. “We will not be intimidated,” said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority, condemning the raid as an act of collective punishment against civilians.

Political Context and Analysis

Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, suggested that the Israeli government’s actions in Jenin were partly motivated by internal political pressures. He argued that the raid could be seen as a diversionary tactic following the recent resignations of several high-ranking Israeli military commanders who admitted their failure to prevent the Hamas attack in October 2023.

“Where does the Netanyahu government deflect attention? In the West Bank. In Jenin,” Bishara said. “They’ve turned their focus to Jenin, and with the nature of the attack, it seems likely it will continue for days, perhaps weeks.”

The West Bank, particularly Jenin, has seen increasing raids by Israeli forces in recent months. These operations, often in response to perceived threats from militant groups, have resulted in numerous casualties and widespread damage to Palestinian infrastructure. Despite international calls for restraint, Israel has continued its military operations in the area, citing security concerns.

Local Response and Resistance

Jenin has long been a stronghold of Palestinian resistance, with militant groups operating out of the refugee camp. The Israeli military has repeatedly targeted the area in an attempt to dismantle these groups. However, these actions have drawn fierce condemnation from Palestinians and human rights organizations, who argue that such raids only exacerbate the cycle of violence.

Local residents have expressed fear and frustration, with many accusing Israel of indiscriminately targeting civilians. “We’re stuck in the middle of this conflict. We want peace, but every day it feels like the violence is getting worse,” said a woman who identified herself as a refugee camp resident. “What will happen to us if this keeps going?”

Ongoing Tensions and Future Prospects

As the raid continues, tensions in the West Bank remain high, with no clear end in sight. The situation in Jenin serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing instability in the region and the difficulties in reaching a lasting peace. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the prospects for de-escalation seem uncertain.

The international community remains divided on how best to address the situation. While some countries have urged Israel to show restraint and seek a diplomatic solution, others have expressed support for its right to defend itself against terrorism. In the meantime, civilians in Jenin and across the West Bank continue to suffer the consequences of the ongoing conflict.