Israeli airstrike on occupied West Bank kills at least 10 Palestinians

An Israeli airstrike in the northern West Bank has resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities. The attack, which took place in the rural village of Tamoun late on Wednesday, is the latest in an escalating Israeli military campaign in the occupied territory.

The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a Palestinian militant cell based on intelligence reports. However, Palestinian sources reported that the airstrike hit a residential house in a densely populated area, raising concerns about civilian casualties. The Palestinian Health Ministry of Ramallah has warned that the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Israeli strategy

The use of a fighter jet for an airstrike in the West Bank is seen as a significant intensification of Israeli operations in the region. Observers have noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under political pressure from his coalition to maintain aggressive military actions. Some analysts suggest that the strike in Tamoun, along with other military operations, reflects Netanyahu’s commitment to his government’s hardline policies in exchange for a temporary pause of mass killings in Gaza attacks.

Continuing operation

The raid in Tamoun follows an ongoing Israeli military operation in the Jenin refugee camp, which has resulted in at least 18 Palestinian deaths over nine days. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the military intends to maintain a long-term presence in Jenin, declaring that the camp, known as a stronghold of Palestinian militancy, “will not return to what it was.”

The Israeli military claims to have killed 18 Palestinian militants during the operation, but Palestinian health officials report that around 20 people, including a two-year-old girl, have been killed. The military has announced an investigation into the child’s death.

Additionally, two more Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank overnight and into Wednesday, including a 23-year-old man in Tulkarem and a 25-year-old man in Jenin. The Palestinian Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its casualty reports.

Palestinian reactions

Hamas issued a statement mourning the men killed in Tamoun but did not explicitly claim them as members. The group called on Palestinians across Israel and the occupied West Bank to mobilize in response, urging resistance against Israeli actions.

Since October 2023, more than 800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The United Nations has expressed concern over the rising casualties. On Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israeli security forces to exercise “maximum restraint” in their operations in the West Bank.