The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that over 50 Palestinian militants have been killed in its ongoing counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank, which began on January 21. Most casualties occurred in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tamun, with 15 militants killed in drone strikes. The IDF acknowledged civilian casualties, including a toddler.
During the operation, dubbed Operation Iron Wall, over 100 wanted Palestinians have been detained, and troops have seized weapons and dismantled explosives. The IDF also demolished 23 buildings in Jenin used by militants.
Airstrikes targeted terrorist cells in Qabatiya and Jenin, including one group allegedly planning an imminent attack. Among those killed was a militant recently released in a 2023 Hamas hostage deal.
Meanwhile, Palestinian media reported Israeli settlers torched a mosque in a Bedouin village near Jericho, though no casualties were reported. Israeli police have yet to comment.
Since October 7, the IDF has arrested approximately 6,000 Palestinians, including 2,350 linked to Hamas, and conducted over 100 airstrikes in the West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry reports 858 Palestinian deaths in that time, while Israel says most were militants. The conflict continues to escalate.
