Two Israeli soldiers were killed in a shooting attack in the northern part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday, coinciding with an ongoing military operation that has led to significant displacement and destruction in the region.
The attack occurred two days after Israel announced an expansion of its military campaign, which it claims is aimed at targeting militants. Palestinians have described this operation as one of the most severe in the West Bank in years.
In addition to the fatalities, eight other soldiers were injured, with two reported in serious condition. The military confirmed that the assailant was killed during an exchange of fire, though it remains unclear if he was affiliated with a militant group or acted independently. Islamic Jihad and Hamas, two influential groups in the northern West Bank, referred to the attack as “heroic.”
On Sunday, an Israeli military spokesman shared a video showing a controlled demolition in the Jenin camp, an area where militant presence has increased. The spokesman stated that 23 buildings used by militants were targeted, marking one of the largest demolitions conducted by Israel in recent years.
The military operation commenced on January 21, shortly after a cease-fire was established in the Gaza Strip. Initially focused on the Jenin camp, the operation has since expanded to include the towns of Tulkarm and Tamun.
This escalation follows a month-long operation by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority against militants in the Jenin area, which resulted in significant casualties, including six security officers, a journalist, and a civilian woman. The clashes have also displaced thousands and caused extensive damage to water and power infrastructure.
However, Israel's operation has been described as more destructive, with reports of 25 fatalities and around 65 injuries in the broader Jenin area, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
On Sunday, the Israeli military reported the deaths of 35 militants across various northern West Bank cities and the arrest of 100 individuals identified as wanted.