Israel launches major West Bank operation amid rising violence

The West Bank has experienced a significant rise in violence over the past 10 months, particularly following the October 7 Hamas raid on Israel. According to the United Nations, at least 660 Palestinians and 15 Israelis have been killed in the region during this period. This escalation is part of a broader pattern of conflict that has seen military actions intensify, with the Israeli military conducting numerous raids in Palestinian refugee camps aimed at dismantling what they label as terrorist infrastructure. In these operations, the Israeli military has been supported by Shin Bet and the Israel Border Police, leading to the deaths of key militant figures, including commanders from Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. The military's actions have been met with increasing resistance from Palestinian fighters, who are reportedly motivated by anger over the destruction in Gaza and the violent actions of Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The situation is further complicated by the Palestinian Authority's diminishing control over the West Bank, leaving many Palestinians feeling vulnerable and trapped in a cycle of violence. The ongoing military operations and settler violence have contributed to a deteriorating security environment, with reports of roadblocks, destruction of infrastructure, and disruptions to essential services. As the conflict continues, the international community remains concerned about the humanitarian implications for Palestinians in the West Bank, who are caught in a precarious situation amid escalating military actions and retaliatory violence. The cycle of violence shows no signs of abating, raising questions about the future stability of the region.