In the aftermath of the recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza, Israeli military operations have intensified in the West Bank. This escalation has raised questions about Israel’s objectives in this occupied territory, especially following the hostilities in Gaza that began on October 7, 2023.
The Situation in the West Bank
Only two days after the ceasefire took effect on January 19, 2025, the Israeli military launched a large-scale operation dubbed “Iron Wall” in the West Bank. This region, along with East Jerusalem, has been under Israeli occupation since the Arab-Israeli War of 1967. Approximately 700,000 Jewish settlers currently reside in the West Bank, which has a Palestinian population of around 2.7 million.
Since the onset of the Hamas-Israel conflict, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, and thousands have been detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank. In addition to military actions, Israeli settlers have also perpetrated violence against Palestinian communities. Reports indicate that, under military protection, settlers have burned homes, farms, and vehicles belonging to Palestinians in various villages.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 70 Palestinians have died due to Israeli attacks since the beginning of the year. Israeli officials acknowledge that around 50 Palestinian militants have also been killed during the same period.
Israel’s Justification for Attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the “Iron Wall” operation was crucial for targeting what he described as the “Iranian axis” supplying weapons in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the West Bank, referred to as Judea and Samaria by Israeli officials. This terminology reflects a historical and religious claim to the land, which has become a focal point of contention.
The city of Jenin has been one of the primary targets of Israeli military actions. Jenin has a long history of being a stronghold for Palestinian resistance and is home to various Palestinian factions that have united under the Palestinian flag. The Israeli military’s actions in Jenin are perceived by some as an attempt to turn it into the next Gaza.
Palestinian and International Responses
The Palestinian Authority has condemned the recent Israeli operations. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, accused Israel of attempting to drive out the Palestinian people and engaging in ethnic cleansing. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called for an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to address the destruction occurring in Palestinian refugee camps.
Internationally, concerns have been raised regarding the ongoing violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over the existential threat to Palestinian territories, particularly in light of illegal settlement expansions. The prospect of annexation of parts of the West Bank by Israeli officials further complicates the situation.
Western Stance
The United States has also played a controversial role in these developments. Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions against illegal Jewish settlers in the West Bank, reversing policies from the previous administration. This decision was welcomed by right-wing Israeli officials who seek to expand settlements in occupied territories.
Countries like France and Canada have expressed serious concerns about the escalating violence in the West Bank, urging Israel to exercise restraint. The European Union has highlighted the situation as a significant warning sign for regional stability.
Conclusion
The renewed focus of Israeli military operations in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With historical grievances, territorial claims, and international implications at play, the situation remains precarious. As tensions rise, the need for a comprehensive and just resolution to the conflict becomes increasingly urgent.
