After a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas gave hope that the bloodshed in Gaza was over after 15 months, violence flared once again in the West Bank this week. Israel’s military detonated buildings in the Jenin refugee camp and a gunman opened fire on Israeli troops, resulting in a deadly gunfight. Israel’s airstrikes on the territory continued weeks after the initial raids on Jenin that were launched when President Trump took office.
The raids have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl shot dead in her home. The military operation in the Jenin refugee camp has caused many residents to flee their homes and caused significant destruction. Israel has stated that the siege will continue until its goals are completed and that Israeli security forces will ensure terrorism does not return to the area.
This violence in the West Bank has escalated alongside the war in Gaza, with Israeli settlers taking advantage of the situation to expand into the territory. The Trump administration has removed sanctions on Israeli settlers and appears to support Israel’s crackdown on the West Bank. The deadly attack by Hamas in 2023 led to the siege of Gaza and increased violence in the West Bank, including fatal shootings that prompted Israel’s recent raids in the area. Israeli politicians and officials have expressed support for expanding settlements and annexing the West Bank, in line with their goal of increasing Israeli control in the region.
