Israel has launched a major aerial and ground operation into the West Bank city of Jenin, its biggest military operation in the Palestinian territory in years, in what it described as an “extensive counter-terrorism effort.”
At least eight Palestinians were killed and 50 injured, 10 seriously, in the attack that began at about 1am on Monday, with the death toll likely to rise, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Launching at least 10 drone strikes on buildings, a brigade of Israeli troops – entered the city and its refugee camp, encountering fire from Palestinians after Israel informed the White House of its plans. In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet, said they attacked a command center in the Jenin refugee camp that was used by a local militant group.
From inside Jenin we see pictures of armed and masked Palestinian fighters on the streets as gun battles and explosions continued into Monday morning.
While the incursion into Jenin is the first since the 2002 Battle of Jenin during the second intifada, and it brings us all back to a different, scary time, what is unclear is whether or not our own government is going to get involved in it.
The Islamic Jihad group said: “The resistance will confront the enemy and defend the Palestinian people and all options are open to strike the enemy and respond to its aggression on Jenin.”
But, while I sit here waiting to see what happens, I feel this deep sense of anguish and, honestly, fear. We just started to recover from the last attack. Our sinking economy is breathing again, our kids are starting to laugh again near the shore and we are gaining back a little bit of normality. And while I do feel sad for what is happening in Jenin, I am not sure we can afford to get involved this time around.
Gaza needs to breathe. We can’t wait for Hamas, the Islamic Jihad or anyone else really to just decide it’s time to attack Israel, create an escalation of violence and terror, and then nothing has changed.
The Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said his forces were “closely monitoring the conduct of our enemies. The defense establishment is ready for all scenarios.” Are we the enemies this time around as well? God, I hope not.
