Written By Lisa Murimi
Israeli forces have withdrawn from Jenin city and its refugee camp in the occupied West Bank following a major nine-day military operation.Â
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted the area, a known militant stronghold with a civilian population of about 60,000, in what was described as one of its largest West Bank actions in years.
The Palestinian health ministry reported at least 36 Palestinian deaths, 21 of them from Jenin governorate.
While most of the fatalities were claimed by armed groups, the ministry noted that children were also among the dead. An Israeli soldier was also killed during the clashes.
During the operation, hundreds of troops confined civilians to their homes, cutting off utilities while engaging militants on the ground and through air strikes.
Residents have now begun emerging into the streets, assessing the damage caused.
The operation has left significant destruction in the camp, with roads, homes, and key infrastructure heavily impacted.
The IDF claimed to have dismantled explosives and terror infrastructure, including an underground weapons storage facility beneath a mosque.
The withdrawal marks the end of a deadly phase in ongoing confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants in the West Bank.
