The Israeli army began withdrawing troops from militant strongholds in the West Bank late on Tuesday, according to officials. Israel’s move comes after two days of intense military operations in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 Palestinians, displacing thousands of people, and causing extensive damage. One Israeli soldier was also killed during the operation. However, heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian extremists continue in parts of the Jenin refugee camp.
Residents of the Jenin refugee camp reported that the army had left the area after midnight. The military confirmed the death of one of its soldiers in the fighting but did not provide further details. The army also reported that militants in the Gaza Strip had fired five rockets into Israel, all of which were intercepted before reaching their targets. However, this has heightened the risk of escalating tensions between the two sides.
In an earlier incident, a Hamas extremist carried out a car ramming and knife attack at a crowded bus station in Tel Aviv, injuring eight people, including a pregnant woman. The assailant was killed by an armed civilian at the scene. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was in retaliation for Israel’s actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an army outpost outside Jenin, signaling the near completion of the most intense military operation in nearly two decades. However, he also emphasized the intention to carry out similar campaigns in the future. On Tuesday night, Israeli and Palestinian officials reported fighting near a hospital in Jenin, with Palestinian hospital officials informing the Wafa news agency that three civilians were wounded in Israeli shelling.
(With inputs from agencies)
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