Fears of Gaza Conflict Spreading to the West Bank Amid Israeli Army Operations

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The ongoing Israeli military operation in the northern West Bank, initiated at the end of August, has sparked concerns over the conflict in Gaza expanding to the West Bank. The operation, primarily targeting Palestinian armed groups in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, is the longest in the region since the second Intifada of the early 2000s. So far, 39 Palestinians have been killed as a result.

In Jenin, the Israeli army's presence has been constant, with armored vehicles and soldiers taking control of key areas. Civilians, like Jaber, a local resident, have been confined to their homes for days due to the heavy fighting. On September 3, Jaber ventured out for the first time in a week to gather supplies, walking through streets devastated by bulldozers searching for explosives.

The Israeli army entered Jenin on August 28 and surrounded the area, intensifying military activity aimed at eliminating threats posed by Palestinian armed groups. On September 6, there were indications the soldiers may be withdrawing, as some forces shifted to other parts of the city. Firefights continued, particularly in central Jenin, causing further destruction to the city’s infrastructure.

Jaber, recounting the events, expressed fear for his family's safety, describing how Israeli snipers targeted anyone, including women, children, and the elderly. The scenes of devastation in Jenin mirror those in Gaza, fueling fears that the conflict could escalate further across the West Bank.