Israel Launches Major Military Operation in Tulkarm Refugee Camp
The Israeli military has launched a major military operation in the Tulkarm refugee camp in the northern West Bank, leading to days of violent clashes and raids. According to the Israeli army, the operation was aimed at apprehending militants and confiscating weapons following an uptick in shooting attacks originating from the camp targeting Israeli settlements and military posts.
The operation began early Tuesday morning as a large IDF force surrounded the camp before invading it. Helicopters, drones, and snipers provided air and ground cover as tanks and armored vehicles entered the crowded refugee camp. Palestinian militants engaged the invading forces with small arms fire and improvised explosive devices. The Israeli army responded by calling in airstrikes on suspected militant positions.
After two days of intense urban warfare, the Israeli army claimed victory, stating that the operation had “fully exposed and undermined the terrorist infrastructure in the camp” and that they were wrapping up activities. However, local Palestinian residents disputed this claim, stating that the Israelis withdrew after facing unexpectedly fierce resistance and that many wanted militants remained at large.
Death Toll Mounts as Violence Spreads
The Tulkarm operation sparked widespread unrest across the West Bank as Palestinians angrily protested the military action. This led to violent clashes between Palestinian youth and Israeli security forces in cities such as Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Hebron.
Israeli forces have responded harshly, with local Palestinian health officials reporting that at least 9 Palestinians have been killed and dozens more injured over the past 48 hours. This includes 3 teenagers killed in an apparent Israeli drone strike in Tulkarm itself. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that its ambulances and medics faced delays and obstruction from Israeli forces during rescue operations.
On Wednesday, the violence escalated as the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting suspected Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants in the Balata refugee camp near Nablus. The strikes killed the local PIJ commander Abdullah Abu Shalal along with two other militants. Further airstrikes on alleged militant positions in the central Gaza strip killed another two Palestinians.
Palestinian militants have also conducted several shooting attacks over the past two days targeting Israeli settlers and military posts. While causing some minor injuries, there have been no reported fatalities on the Israeli side so far. However, Israeli security officials have warned that intelligence suggests Palestinian militant factions are planning a major terror attack in the near future.
International Condemnation Grows
The escalating violence has drawn increasing international condemnation. United Nations officials have described the killing of Palestinian civilians as “unlawful” and are urging restraint on both sides. The Arab League has called for an emergency session to discuss taking action against the “brutal aggression” of Israeli forces.
Some international observers have accused Israel of deliberately using disproportionate force to provoke a violent Palestinian reaction as a pretext to conduct further military strikes. They point to the timing and scale of the initial Tulkarm operation compared to the actual recent militant attacks emanating from there.
Background to Current Crisis
Tensions between Israel and the Palestinians have been steadily rising since last October when a new right-wing Israeli government took power. This government is widely seen as the most uncompromisingly pro-settler in Israel’s history and has taken several provocative steps regarding the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In November, the Israeli defense minister announced approval for the construction of over 7,000 new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, in contravention of international law. There have also been efforts to expand Israeli control and access in and around the Al Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem. This site is the third holiest in Islam and holds huge symbolic value for Palestinians.
These Israeli actions have led to increasing unrest and anger amongst Palestinians. The recent rise in shooting attacks and thwarted bombing plots is seen as a consequence of this mood. The large-scale Tulkarm operation brought the situation to a new boiling point. Palestinian militant factions have sworn to retaliate while Israeli leaders have promised further crackdowns in response to any attacks.
What Happens Next?
In the immediate term, the violence seems set to continue as both sides attempt to assert themselves through shows of force. Without some deescalating intervention, the conflict threatens to spiral out of control.
However, the prospects for constructive outside mediation currently appear dim. The new Israeli government has strained ties with traditional partners like the US who potentially held some sway. Regional Arab powers are solidly behind the Palestinian cause. Europe and the UN have little real leverage here.
Within Israel and Palestine, the extremists seem ascendant for now. With elections upcoming, few mainstream Israeli politicians will counsel compromise or risk appearing soft. Palestinian leaders are either promoting violence or have lost control of the street.
Yet the eventual toll in lives and economic damage may galvanize moderates on both sides seeking an off-ramp from violence through mutual concessions. It remains to be seen whether such cooler heads can gain influence and muster the political will to pull back from the brink. For now, peace remains elusive as the people suffer.
| Date | Incident | Palestinian casualties | Israeli casualties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 17 | Initial Tulkarm refugee camp operation launched by Israel | 0 reported | None reported |
| Jan 18 | Widespread protests and clashes across West Bank | 8 Palestinians reported killed, several dozen injured | None reported |
| Jan 18 | Israeli airstrikes on Balata refugee camp near Nablus | 3 PIJ militants killed | None reported |
| Jan 18 | Israeli airstrikes on Gaza strip | 2 Palestinians reported killed | None reported |
| Jan 19 | Israel claims victory in Tulkarm operation | Unknown | None reported |
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