PT: Military raid kills at least five Palestinians and wound several others in Jenin March 7

Event

Heightened tensions and further violence are likely in the West Bank in Palestinian Territories (PT) over the coming days after five Palestinians were killed and at least nine others were wounded in an Israeli raid on a refugee camp in Jenin, March 7. The target of the raid appears to have been the suspected militant who killed two Israelis in Huwara, West Bank, Feb. 26.

Israeli forces will probably launch further security raids in the West Bank over the coming days. Further violence, including clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians, is likely in Jenin and other major cities in the PT, including Nablus. The Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) tend to launch rocket attacks against southern Israel following high-profile military raids in the West Bank; a similar action by the Gaza-based militants cannot be ruled out over the coming hours. Heightened security measures could result in localized transport and business disruptions.

Context

The latest military raid comes amid heightened tensions and an uptick in violence in recent months in the West Bank. A similar raid and military clashes on Jan. 26 killed nine Palestinians and wounded several others. 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 Israel, 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 and wounded dozens of people.

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.