Israel-Palestine Conflict Escalates with West Bank Raids

Israel conducted raids in the West Bank, killing nine Palestinians and sealing off Jenin. The ongoing conflict, which began with Hamas' attack from Gaza, has resulted in over 652 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank. Efforts for a cease-fire have stalled amid ongoing violence and heavy casualties in Gaza.

Israel launched extensive raids across the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, leading to the death of at least nine Palestinians and the sealing off of the volatile city of Jenin, Palestinian officials reported.

The Israeli military's near-daily raids follow Hamas' Oct. 7 attack from Gaza, catalyzing the ongoing conflict. Palestinian militant groups claimed active engagements with Israeli forces. Jenin's governor, Kamal Abu al-Rub, informed via Palestinian radio that Israeli forces surrounded the city, obstructing entry and exit points as well as access to hospitals, while damaging infrastructure in the camp.

Confirmed by the Israeli military, operations are ongoing in the West Bank cities of Jenin and Tulkarem. The Palestinian Health Ministry recorded at least 652 Palestinian deaths in the West Bank since the Gaza war erupted, primarily due to clashes during such raids. Israel states these operations are crucial for dismantling militant groups, including Hamas, to avert attacks on Israelis.

(With inputs from agencies.)