"Operation Iron Wall" - Major invasion of Jenin

Israel launched a new large-scale invasion of Jenin dubbed “Iron Walls” with an aim to "eradicate terrorism in Jenin" as described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. The latter claimed credit for the operation which he demanded the Israeli war cabinet to implement. The finance minister praised the raids and hinted that it will entail significant escalations in the West Bank to protect settlements.

The operation began directly as Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces starting withdrawing from the camp after it concluded a brutal campaign to rout resistance members at the behest of Israel, killing 16 people, mostly civilians and including one journalist.

Around midday, Israeli armored vehicles and bulldozers invaded Jenin with supporting fire from helicopters and drones, entering from the Jamaleh military checkpoint. The troops laid siege to the refugee camp and declared it a closed military zone by 5 pm.

Witnesses reported heavy gunfire in the first moments of the invasion, in addition to at least two drone airstrikes. Footage from local sources documented the moments where unarmed civilians, including elderly and medics, were repeatedly shot at by Israeli gunfire while they were struggling to find cover on open streets.

IDF vehicles had also laid siege to the local Al-Amal hospital and prevented medical evacuation of the injured.

Day 2: Jan 22

Israeli forces besieged two hospitals with support from PA security forces. IDF bulldozers have continued razing ifnrastructure with a particular focus on roads around Jenin Government Hospital and Al-Razi Hospital further restricting access to critical healthcare for casualties.

IDF troops have also widened attacks to towns surrounding Jenin, while multiplying the number of checkpoints across the West Bank.

Around 7:45 pm, Israeli bombed a house in the town of Burqin, west of Jenin. after besieging it.

Casualties:

On the first day, at least 10 Palestinians were killed and about 40 wounded, including healthcare workers: 3 doctors and 2 nurses.

Names of the martyrs:

1. Abdulwahab Al-Saadi (Jan 21)
2. Khalil Al-Saadi (Jan 21)
3. Amin Zawayda (Jan 21)
4. Moataz Abu Tabikh (Jan 21)
5. Raed Abu Sabaa (Jan 21)
6. Ahmad Al-Shayeb (Jan 21)
7. Yousef Abu Awad
8. Khalaf Ahmad Jamhawi
9. Hussein Abu Al-Hayjaa
10. Mahmoud Ibrahim Jaradat (Jan 21; besieged at home and killed in Ta'anak village, north west of Jenin. Body abducted)

Photos Toddler injured by shrapnel