On February 3, 2025, the Israeli military announced the demolition of several buildings in Jenin, located in the northern West Bank, as part of a broad offensive against armed Palestinian factions. According to the military, 50 'terrorists' have been killed in the West Bank since mid-January 2025. The operation is described as part of an anti-terrorism campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
Reports indicate that simultaneous explosions destroyed approximately 20 buildings in the eastern part of the Jenin refugee camp, with massive smoke columns rising over the area. The Jenin hospital director reported damage to some hospital sections, though no injuries were reported.
The Israeli military's statement detailed that over 35 terrorists were killed and more than 100 individuals apprehended since the operation commenced on January 21, 2025. Previous airstrikes had also resulted in the deaths of over 15 terrorists. The military spokesperson confirmed that these figures reflect operations in the West Bank since January 14, 2025.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli demolitions in Jenin, labeling them as 'brutal.' The ministry expressed strong disapproval of the explosions carried out by Israeli forces in the Jenin and Tulkarm refugee camps.
This large-scale military operation, dubbed 'Iron Wall,' began last month with the stated aim of neutralizing armed Palestinian groups in the Jenin area. On the same day, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that two individuals were killed by Israeli forces in separate incidents in the West Bank, including a 73-year-old man in Jenin and a 27-year-old man in the al-Aroub camp.
The Israeli military also reported that a tactical unit initiated operations in the vicinity of Tamoun, an area experiencing ongoing violence, and discovered weapons while expanding military actions to include five towns. Flyers distributed in Arabic warned residents against approaching Israeli forces.
The Israeli government has accused Iran of attempting to supply weapons and funds to Palestinian factions, including Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Germany, the European Union, and the United States.
On February 2, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes in Jenin, targeting a terrorist cell allegedly preparing to execute an imminent attack. The military reported secondary explosions from explosives within a vehicle involved in the operation. The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of Islamic Jihad, confirmed that two of its members were among the deceased. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that airstrikes in Jenin resulted in five fatalities, including a minor.