Israel launches major West Bank operation after Gaza ceasefire

[MIDDLE EAST] Israel has initiated a significant military operation in the occupied West Bank, mere days after a fragile ceasefire took effect in Gaza. This development has reignited tensions in the region and raised concerns about the stability of the recent peace agreement.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Israeli security forces, backed by helicopters, launched a large-scale military campaign in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as "large-scale and significant," aimed at combating terrorism in the region.

The Israeli military announced that "forces have commenced a counterterrorism mission" in Jenin, a city known for its refugee camp and militant activity. The operation, dubbed "Iron Wall," involves the Israeli military, police, and the Shin Bet security agency.

Casualties and Immediate Impact

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least nine Palestinians were killed and 35 others injured during the initial stages of the operation. The identities of the deceased individuals in the Jenin refugee camp have not been confirmed.

Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, described the situation as an "invasion of the camp," noting the rapid nature of the operation. He stated, "Apache helicopters are in the sky, and Israeli military vehicles are present everywhere".

Netanyahu's Justification

Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the operation as part of a broader strategy against what he termed the "Iranian axis." He stated, "We are acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria". The use of the terms Judea and Samaria refers to the occupied West Bank.

Timing and Context

The timing of this operation is particularly significant, coming just days after the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza. The ceasefire, which began on Sunday, January 19, 2025, was the result of months of negotiations and was intended to bring relief to over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza after 15 months of intense conflict.

The first phase of the ceasefire agreement includes:

• A six-week pause in fighting
• The release of some Israeli captives held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees in Israel
• A gradual retreat of Israeli forces to the borders of Gaza
• A significant increase in humanitarian aid access to Gaza

International Reactions

The international community has expressed concern over the escalation in the West Bank. The operation has drawn attention to the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of maintaining peace in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to lift sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who had attacked Palestinian villages has added another layer of complexity to the situation. This move has been seen by some as emboldening more aggressive actions in the West Bank.

Historical Context

Jenin has been a significant site for Israeli incursions during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The city and its refugee camp have long been centers of Palestinian resistance and have experienced numerous Israeli military operations over the years.

Since the outbreak of hostilities triggered by Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023, violence in the West Bank has escalated. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 800 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli operations since the conflict began.

Humanitarian Concerns

The operation in Jenin has raised serious humanitarian concerns. The densely populated refugee camp, home to approximately 25,000 residents, is particularly vulnerable to military operations. The use of heavy military equipment, including helicopters and armored vehicles, in such a populated area increases the risk of civilian casualties.

Impact on the Gaza Ceasefire

While the operation is taking place in the West Bank, there are concerns about its potential impact on the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. The interconnected nature of Palestinian politics means that events in one area can have significant repercussions in another.

The ceasefire in Gaza had been seen as a positive step towards de-escalation and potentially towards a more comprehensive peace agreement. However, the military operation in Jenin could potentially undermine these efforts and lead to increased tensions across the Palestinian territories.

The Role of Palestinian Security Forces

It's worth noting that the Israeli operation follows weeks of actions by Palestinian security forces in the West Bank. These forces had been targeting armed factions, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which are perceived as threats to their governance.

This complex dynamic highlights the internal divisions within Palestinian politics and the challenges faced by the Palestinian Authority in maintaining control over various factions within the territories it nominally governs.

Long-term Implications

The long-term implications of this operation remain to be seen. However, it's clear that it represents a significant escalation in the West Bank at a time when many had hoped for a period of calm following the Gaza ceasefire.

Key questions that arise include:

• How will this operation affect the prospects for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians?
• What impact will it have on internal Palestinian politics, particularly the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and more militant factions?
• How will the international community respond to this escalation, particularly in light of the recent ceasefire agreement?

The launch of a major military operation in the West Bank so soon after the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza underscores the complexity and volatility of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the ceasefire brought hope for a period of calm and potential progress towards peace, the events in Jenin serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues that continue to plague the region.

As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor not only the immediate impact of the operation but also its broader implications for regional stability and the prospects for a lasting peace. The coming days and weeks will likely be critical in determining whether this operation represents a temporary escalation or a more significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict.