Israel launches major West Bank operation with drones, hundreds of troops
- At least 7 Palestinians killed, 27 injured as Israel launches large-scale raid in West Bank stronghold of militants
- Operation in Jenin began with an overnight air strike on a building Israel said was used by militants planning attacks
Israeli drones struck targets in a militant stronghold in the occupied West Bank early Monday and hundreds of troops were deployed in the area, an incursion that resembled the wide-scale military operations carried out during the second Palestinian uprising two decades ago.
Palestinian health officials said at least seven Palestinians were killed.
Troops remained inside the Jenin refugee camp on Monday, pushing ahead with the largest operation in the area during more than a year of fighting. It came at a time of growing domestic pressure for a tough response to a series of attacks on Israeli settlers – including a shooting attack last week that killed four people.
Black smoke rose from the crowded streets of the camp as the military pressed on. Electricity was cut off in some parts and military bulldozers were ploughing through narrow streets – another reminder of Israel’s incursions during the last uprising. The Palestinians and neighbouring Jordan condemned the violence.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant huddled with top military commanders and said the operation was “proceeding as planned.” He said Israel had dealt “a tough blow” to local militant groups but gave no indication when the incursion would end.