The IDF launched a large-scale operation in Jenin on Tuesday, dubbed Operation Iron Wall, deploying numerous forces, including special units, the Border Police, and the Shin Bet.
The operation began with airstrikes carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles, followed by the entry of extensive forces into the city in northern Samaria. According to the IDF, the objectives are to maintain freedom of action throughout Judea and Samaria, target terrorist infrastructures, and neutralize “ticking bombs.”
الاحتلال يطلق الرصاص على كل شيء يتحرك امامهم في مدينة جنين ومخيمها..
عشرات الاصابات في الشوارع وفي السيارات..اعدامات ميدانية باردة للمدنيين والسكان الأمنين في شوارعهم ومنازلهم ..ثلاثة شهداء واكثر من 35 جريح في أقل من ساعة.
كافة انواع الطيران يحلق فوق جنين وعموم شمال الضفة.. pic.twitter.com/k3tTSfK1gS— أسرى الحرية ? (@ps_prisoners) January 21, 2025
The IDF stated the operation is expected to continue for several days and persist “as long as necessary.”
Shortly after the announcement, the PA Health Ministry reported two fatalities and 25 injuries resulting from IDF actions. The injured were transported to Ibn Sina, Al-Amal, and Al-Shifa hospitals.
תיעוד מתקיפה ישראלית בג’נין
(שימוש לפי סעיף 27א’ לחוק זכויות יוצרים) pic.twitter.com/kdlJIt44xv— הארץ חדשות (@haaretznewsvid) January 21, 2025
Dr. Wissam Bakr, director of Jenin Governmental Hospital, noted that more casualties were brought to hospitals across the city, but the total number has yet to be confirmed due to the rapidly unfolding events in the governorate.
A WAFA correspondent reported that Israeli warplanes are participating in the assault on Jenin and its “refugee” camp, with a large number of military vehicles storming the area from the al-Jalameh military checkpoint shortly after IDF special forces were spotted in the al-Jabarat neighborhood.
Sources further indicated that Israeli forces are currently besieging a house in the Jenin camp.
الجيش الإسرائيلي: بدء عملية لمكافحة الإرهاب في #جنين بالاشتراك مع الشاباك وحرس الحدود
الصحة الفلسطينية: شهيد و4 مصابين جراء قصف الاحتلال على جنين#الجزيرة_مباشر #فلسطين pic.twitter.com/cpgrXeo3ty
— الجزيرة مباشر (@ajmubasher) January 21, 2025
A PA source informed Haaretz that Israel had breached the communications network of PA security forces in Jenin, instructing them to withdraw from the city and the camp. Last month, the PA forces launched an arrest campaign targeting terrorists in the camp in an effort to reestablish the Palestinian Authority’s control. The operation aimed to detain armed individuals, most of whom are also wanted by Israel.
Last week, six people were killed during an IDF raid on the camp, marking the first such attack since the Palestinian Authority intensified its activities there.
مشاهد من اقتحام الاحتـ.لال الواسع لمدينة #جنين ومخيمها.
_ وزارة الصحة تعلن وصول 4 إصابات بحالة متوسطة إلى مستشفى جنين الحكومي جراء عدوان الاحتلال على جنين. pic.twitter.com/ahFa57hxyC
— وكالة تسنيم للأنباء (@Tasnimarabic) January 21, 2025
Shortly before the IDF spokesperson announced the launch of Operation Iron Wall, Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, stating:
“The threat to settlements, communities, and settlers in Judea and Samaria, as well as along the seamline, is intensifying. Our enemies see this as the only open arena today—where clashes, shootings, and acts of terror against the State of Israel are taking place. Consequently, the Iranian Axis continues to promote terror through funding, guidance, and arming. I have instructed the IDF to act decisively to protect all communities and residents. This effort is already underway and will continue with great force to prevent terrorism.”
