Israeli forces have intensified their military assault on Jenin, marking a significant escalation in violence in the occupied West Bank. The offensive has led to the siege of two hospitals for two consecutive days, obstructing medical aid and trapping hundreds of civilians seeking refuge. Medical teams have come under direct fire, while paramedics have been denied access to aid the dead and wounded left in the streets, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has confirmed at least 10 fatalities and over 40 injuries since the operation began on Tuesday.
In a particularly severe move, Israeli bulldozers destroyed the main road leading to the Jenin government hospital, cutting off vital access. Wissam Bakr, the hospital’s director, revealed that over 600 displaced people were crammed into the facility, which was surrounded by Israeli military forces. “The situation was tragic last night,” Bakr said, emphasizing the desperate shortage of food and water. Many of the displaced were forced to sleep on the floors and in corridors.
The al-Amal hospital also came under intense siege, with indiscriminate gunfire injuring at least three doctors and two hospital workers. A nurse was reportedly shot and left bleeding for hours before being rescued by paramedics. Ihsan Rawajba, a hospital receptionist, described the scene as chaotic, with gunfire echoing through the grounds. Despite the dire conditions, Israeli forces continue to enforce stringent restrictions, allowing only a single ambulance under constant inspection to move in and out.
Mass Arrests and Widespread Destruction
Israeli forces’ actions have not been limited to Jenin’s hospitals. Across the West Bank, entrances to cities have been choked off with nearly 900 military checkpoints, according to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. This has paralyzed movement, cutting off residents from essential services and trapping many in conflict zones.
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The destruction in Jenin has been particularly devastating. Roads leading to the Jenin refugee camp and governmental hospital were bulldozed, and forced evacuations were reportedly carried out, despite Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani dismissing these claims as “fake news.” Palestinian officials, however, report that at least 29 people were arrested across the West Bank on Wednesday morning.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes at the Jenin government hospital. Displaced residents were subjected to invasive searches as they were allowed to leave on foot, with several individuals arrested during the process. Israeli drones loomed overhead, intensifying fears of further escalation. Iyad Salahat, who was caring for his mother in the hospital, recounted the chaos: “We didn’t know what to do. We imagined the worst—would they storm the hospital, evacuate us, or kill the doctors?”
Global Condemnation and Calls for Resolution
International voices have raised concerns over the escalating violence. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, warned that the West Bank is on the brink of “explosion,” urging the global community to address the root causes of the conflict. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Safadi criticized the disproportionate response and emphasized the need for a long-term solution to prevent further destabilization.
Meanwhile, the UK Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation. During parliamentary discussions, calls were made for the release of all hostages and an immediate halt to hostilities.
The violence in Jenin coincides with efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. However, trust remains minimal, with each side accusing the other of violations. Humanitarian aid has trickled into Gaza, but Jenin faces a worsening crisis as basic supplies dwindle.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported severe challenges in accessing the wounded. Seven fatalities and 17 injuries from live ammunition have been recorded, with medics prevented from reaching numerous victims. Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, criticized the scale of destruction, noting that the occupation forces had bulldozed all roads to the refugee camp.
The Jenin raid follows the recovery of nearly 200 bodies in Gaza after the recent ceasefire. The Palestinian civil emergency service estimates that about 10,000 bodies remain buried under rubble. The head of the service, Mahmoud Basal, revealed that extraction efforts have been hampered by the destruction of equipment and the killing of over 100 staff members.
As the conflict intensifies, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene. The situation in Jenin, described as one of the harshest military raids in recent history, underscores the urgent need for accountability and a sustainable resolution to the decades-long conflict.