PT: Military raid and subsequent clashes kill at least nine Palestinians and wound several others in Jenin Jan. 26

Event

Heightened tensions and protests are likely in the Jenin area and elsewhere in the West Bank over the coming days after nine Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid early Jan. 26. Clashes between Israeli security forces and suspected Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants were reported in the area. The raid was an attempt to detain a senior PIJ militant.

Israeli forces will probably launch further security raids in the West Bank over the coming days. Additional clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians are likely in Jenin and other major cities in the Palestinian Territories (PT), including Ramallah and Nablus. Heightened security measures could result in localized transport and business disruptions.

Context

The military raid on Jan. 26 is one of the deadliest in the West Bank recently and coincides with elevated tensions and unrest in the PT. Authorities in Israel have bolstered security nationwide in the aftermath of several terror attacks since March 2022, launching frequent raids in the West Bank and imposing movement restrictions on some Palestinian communities. The series of attacks across the country, including in Be'er Sheva, Hadera, Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv, prompted authorities to launch Operation Break the Wave in March 2022. The operation aims to stem the wave of terror attacks that have killed at least 30 people and wounded dozens of others.

The IDF launched Operation Breakwater earlier this year to degrade Palestinian military groups' capability to launch attacks. As part of the operation, the IDF has conducted regular raids against suspected Palestinian militant cells in Jenin and Nablus in recent weeks. To date, Israeli authorities have arrested more than 2000 Palestinians, and the nightly raids have resulted in 130 deaths.

Advice

Exercise caution if operating in the West Bank, especially in Jenin. Avoid all demonstrations and areas where security personnel appear to be concentrating. If violence breaks out, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to bypass security checkpoints without authorities' permission. Adhere to all instructions issued by local officials and your home government.