Anti-terror operation in the West Bank: The fear of a new escalation

Ten dead and more than 100 injured – the Israeli anti-terrorist operation in Nablus in the West Bank is one of the most serious since the beginning of the year. The fear of a further escalation is growing again.

The operations of the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank usually take place at night or in the early hours of the morning – this time the forces came to the city of Nablus in broad daylight. There had been intelligence information about a meeting between three terror suspects and the Israeli army decided to strike.

According to Palestinian sources, at the end of the operation ten people were dead and more than 100 injured. “While trying to apprehend the terrorists, one tried to escape from the building through a window and was neutralized by the forces,” Israeli Lieutenant Masha Michelson said after the operation. “Two other wanted suspects opened fire and there was an exchange of fire in which the two were also neutralized.”

During the operation, the soldiers were shot at and then fired back, Michelson explained. Stones, explosive devices and Molotov cocktails were also thrown.

Wanted were members of Islamic Jihad

The three men targeted by the operation are said to be members of Islamic Jihad and a terrorist cell in Jenin in the north of the West Bank.

One of the men, Hussam Assalim, recorded a voice message shortly before his death, which was circulated by Israeli and Arab media. In it he said: “My brothers, the soldiers have surrounded us, but we will not turn ourselves in. No matter what happens, by all means do not drop your weapons and continue on the path.” In the afternoon Assalim was buried with great sympathy.

Nablus is a busy city. The timing of the deployment may have triggered the counter-violence – and thus led to many deaths and injuries.

More than 60 dead since the beginning of the year

Security experts see the risk of new terrorist attacks and further escalation in the heated mood. The security situation in the occupied West Bank has been tense for months.

After a series of Palestinian terrorist attacks, raids by the Israeli military continue to take place there. The aim of the operations is to prevent further terror.

So far this year alone, 59 Palestinians have died in anti-terrorist operations and attacks. Many of them were armed fighters – but civilians are also among the victims time and again. Nine Israelis and one Ukrainian have been killed in attacks since the beginning of the year.

No end to the violence in sight

The West Bank and East Jerusalem are in the midst of a war on terror, said Eitan Dangot, ex-general and former Israeli government coordinator in the Palestinian Territories. So far things have been quiet on the “Gaza front”, according to Dangot.

More violence is expected in the coming weeks when the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Jewish holiday of Passover and Easter coincide.