STORY: Israel presses ahead with deadly operation in West Bank, displacing thousands
DATELINE: July 5, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:56
LOCATION: Jerusalem
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various the Israeli offensive in Jenin
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): IBRAHIM ABU RUB, Jenin resident
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): KAMAL AHMED, Jenin resident

STORYLINE:

At least ten Palestinians were killed in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank and thousands fled their homes as Israel pressed ahead on Tuesday with its largest military campaign in the occupied territory since 2002.
   
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that it launched an "extensive counterterrorism effort in the area of Jenin city and the Jenin Camp" and carried out airstrikes on "terrorist infrastructure."
   
Starting early on Monday, hundreds of commandos backed by drones raided the Jenin refugee camp.
   
Israel's Military Spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters that at least ten airstrikes have been carried out in the Jenin area and at least 110 "suspects" were arrested and questioned. "There is no point in the (Jenin) refugee camp that we haven't reached," he said.
   
According to Hagari, Israel initiated the offensive because about 50 attacks had originated from Jenin over the past year. He also said the operation could end within days, as it had already achieved most of its goals.
   
The military said in a statement on Tuesday morning that forces "neutralize an underground shaft that was used to store explosive devices in the heart of the Jenin Camp." In addition, troops "located and dismantled two operational situation rooms" belonging to militants, destroyed a grenade launcher and confiscated weapons and military equipment.
   
The raid prompted international condemnations and the Palestinian Authority has suspended all contacts with Israel.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): IBRAHIM ABU RUB, Jenin resident
"There are large numbers of victims among the Palestinians. The Israeli army deliberately kills young Palestinians, hoping that they will kill the gunmen, but they were not harmed. There are a large number of Israeli soldiers and snipers in order to kill as many Palestinian youths as possible. There are large military reinforcements, as the Israeli air force is covering the military vehicles."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): KAMAL AHMED, Jenin resident
"No one accepts the situation in Jenin. There are a large number of victims without any concern for us from the states. We hope to live in peace, but unfortunately, Jenin has been largely destroyed. Since the year 2000, Jenin has witnessed daily confrontations. The Israeli army cannot enter the camp because they are afraid of death. However, the army could not kill the militants so the army killed the civilians. We hope god will protect us."

Deputy Governor of Jenin, Kamal Abu Arub, told Israel's Arab-language radio of A-Shams that approximately 3,000 residents have fled their homes and sought refuge in buildings belonging to the Palestinian Authority. Guesthouses and hotels in the area also opened their doors to the displaced residents.
   
According to UN estimates, about 15,000-20,000 people live in the crowded refugee camp.
   
The Geneva-based Medecins Sans Frontieres reported that military bulldozers destroyed roads leading to the refugee camp, impeding ambulances from reaching injuries. "All roads leading to the camp are blocked, including for ambulances, despite the presence of patients in need of care on the other side," the group wrote on Twitter.
   
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Palestinian territories reported that "due to damage to infrastructure, most of the refugee camp residents are currently without drinking water and electricity."
   
"Humanitarian access is most urgent now," Adam Bouloukos, the director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the West Bank, wrote on Twitter.
   
The Palestinian Health Ministry said in a statement that at least ten Palestinians were killed, including a 16-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys.
   
Israel seized the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Middle East war and has maintained control over these territories despite international criticism. The Palestinians wish to establish their future state in these territories.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jerusalem.
(XHTV)