Israeli incursion in West Bank city of Jenin leaves 14 Palestinians dead, says Palestinian health ministry

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, a military raid conducted by Israeli forces in the refugee camp of Jenin in the occupied West Bank led to the death of at least 14 Palestinians. The ministry reported that clashes occurred with Palestinians in the early hours of Thursday, but it remains uncertain whether those killed were civilians or militants.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the purpose of the Jenin raid was to dismantle terrorist networks and demolish the residence of an individual accused of murdering an off-duty Israeli soldier in a ramming incident on August 31. According to an IDF statement, the operation revealed explosive devices that were intended to harm Israeli forces within the Jenin refugee camp. The commander of the Central Command authorized the demolition of the assailant's home, which was involved in the attack at both the Maccabim checkpoint and the Hashmonaim checkpoint.

Israeli forces conducted a drone strike in response to the clashes, as confirmed by Israeli Army Radio, the IDF, and witnesses interviewed by CNN. CNN obtained videos and received first-hand reports from witnesses, both of which illustrate a significant military presence in the city. Gunfire exchanges between militants and Israeli forces can be heard, while the city's streets witness the movement of at least twelve armored vehicles and the destruction of a house by armored bulldozers.

CNN obtained a video showing leaflets being dropped on the camp after the operation. A resident shared an image of one of the leaflets with CNN, which read, "Residents of the camp, the IDF's actions within the camp were in response to the terrorist activities that you support. The IDF will continue to be present here and will return until terrorism is completely eradicated. It is wise to heed the warning." According to an eyewitness, the Israeli forces surrounded Ibn Sina hospital, preventing ambulances from assisting the injured. A CNN video depicts multiple lifeless bodies covered in sheets on the ground, while ambulance sirens can be heard in the background.

The violence in the Israeli-Gaza war has escalated into the West Bank, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the death toll in the West Bank has reached 176. The ministry stated that these deaths were caused by Israeli forces or Jewish settlers. Additionally, over 2,450 Palestinians in the West Bank have been injured since October 7th.

Demolition tactics

Israeli forces frequently demolish the homes of people alleged to be involved in terror attacks.

In another demolishment on Wednesday, Israeli police officers and IDF troops carried out a raid in the Shuafat refugee camp in occupied east Jerusalem. The objective was to demolish the residence of a 13-year-old Palestinian boy who was accused of stabbing an Israeli Border Police officer in February. The incident led to the death of the officer, Sgt. Asil Suead, on February 13. He was stabbed and tragically shot by a security guard who was responding to the attack, as reported by the Jerusalem Border Police.

Palestinian residents have reported to CNN that during the incursion on Wednesday to demolish the home, Israeli soldiers carried out "humiliating" searches on children who were on their way to school. CNN obtained two videos showing Israeli troops searching teenage girls in school uniforms, who were positioned against walls. Another video recorded an officer forcefully restraining a teenage boy against a wall.

Hours later, videos obtained by CNN shows the forces surrounding the house and the explosion inside the refugee camp.