Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Tulkarem refugee camp in the northern West Bank on Friday, directing the military to escalate its ongoing offensive in the region. His visit follows a series of explosions on Israeli buses, which heightened tensions in the already volatile area.
According to a statement from his office, Netanyahu’s rare visit to a refugee camp in the occupied Palestinian territory was aimed at reinforcing security operations. He instructed the military to carry out more “operational activity” in response to the recent attacks.
Ongoing Military Offensive
Following the ceasefire in Gaza, Israel launched a large-scale operation in the northern West Bank, codenamed “Iron Wall.” The offensive has targeted multiple refugee camps near the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas. Reports from the United Nations indicate that at least 40 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 40,000 have been displaced due to the military action.
Netanyahu commended the army for its efforts against Hamas and other militant groups, stating, “We are entering terrorist strongholds, flattening entire streets that terrorists use, and their homes. We are eliminating terrorists, commanders.”
Connection to Bus Explosions
The Prime Minister’s visit follows an incident in which three Israeli buses exploded in Bat Yam late on Thursday. While no injuries were reported, security officials noted similarities between the explosives used in the attacks and devices previously found in the West Bank. Haim Sargarof, a police commander in central Israel, confirmed in a televised briefing that authorities suspect links to Palestinian militant activities.
Escalating Violence in the West Bank
Violence has surged in the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 898 Palestinians, including many militants, have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since the start of the conflict. Israeli official figures report that at least 32 Israelis have died in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military raids in the same period.
Netanyahu’s latest directives underscore Israel’s continued push to neutralize perceived security threats in the region, while the escalating conflict raises concerns about further instability and humanitarian crises in the occupied territories.
Sources By Agencies
