Israeli forces withdraw from Jenin amid ongoing conflict

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) completed a significant military operation in Jenin, a city in the occupied West Bank, after nine days of intense conflict. The operation, described as one of the largest in two decades, resulted in the deaths of at least 36 Palestinians, including civilians, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The IDF's actions included air strikes, ground battles, and the imposition of lockdowns on civilians, leading to widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. The IDF claimed to have eliminated 14 terrorists, including a Hamas leader, and captured over 30 suspects. They also reported dismantling various terrorist infrastructure sites, including an underground weapons storage facility. The operation was launched in response to perceived threats from Iranian-backed groups in the region, with Israeli officials asserting the need to combat rising violence against Israelis. Despite the withdrawal of Israeli forces, residents of Jenin remain apprehensive about potential future incursions, as military checkpoints continue to surround the area. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated fears among the local population, who have witnessed significant loss of life and property. The situation in the West Bank has escalated following the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, leading to increased military actions by the IDF. Israeli authorities maintain that these operations are essential for national security, while Palestinian officials decry the violence and loss of civilian life, highlighting the ongoing cycle of conflict in the region.