July 3, 2023
Ludovica Leccese, CENTCOM/AFRICOM Team
Jennifer Loy, Senior Editor
Attack in Jenin[1]
Event: On Monday, July 3, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant operation in Jenin, West Bank. The airstrikes targeted the city’s restive refugee camp to end “Jenin’s role as a ‘city of refuge’ for terror,” as stated by a senior government official. According to the Palestinian Authority health ministry, eight people were killed, and at least 27 others were wounded.[2]
Significance: Launching a significant counterterrorism operation on the Jenin refugee camp will almost certainly escalate the tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The operation will likely lead to an increase in the use of violence and the involvement of terrorist groups like Hamas and other militias, likely exacerbating the humanitarian situation and forcing people to flee their homes for safety. This military action will almost certainly continue to destroy “terror infrastructures” in Jenin, very likely causing collateral damage and destroying civilian infrastructures such as homes, schools, hospitals, and vital services. Jenin’s population displacement will almost certainly result in increased refugee flows, potentially impacting neighboring areas and further increasing regional instability. Vulnerable communities will very likely be affected the most, facing limited access to healthcare facilities and psychological support, and likely sparking a quicker response from the international community. Humanitarian organizations will likely be prevented from delivering humanitarian aid and supplies, likely resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
Recommendations
The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) recommends humanitarian organizations immediately mobilize resources and personnel to provide essential aid, including food, water, shelter, and medical assistance, to affected populations in Jenin and other affected areas.
CTG recommends prioritizing the safety and well-being of civilians by implementing measures to protect them from harm during conflicts, including ensuring the respect of international humanitarian law and human rights principles.
CTG recommends civilians stay informed about the current situation, follow safety instructions from local authorities and humanitarian agencies, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
CTG recommends the international community engage diplomatically with the parties involved to encourage the de-escalation of violence and seek peaceful solutions by promoting dialogue, negotiation, and mediation efforts.
CTG recommends the international community increase its financial support to humanitarian organizations involved in the region and in the affected areas to ensure the supply of necessary resources.
CTG recommends facilitating humanitarian corridors to grant all humanitarian organizations to reach affected populations, ensuring the delivery of aid and services to those in need.
If there is any additional and or critical information, please contact us at The Counterterrorism Group (CTG) by Telephone at 202-643-2848 or email info@counterterrorismgroup.com
[1] Jenin, West Bank by Google Maps
[2] IDF strikes in Jenin, launches major counterterrorism campaign; 8 Palestinians killed, The Times of Israel, July 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-strikes-in-jenin-large-numbers-of-forces-reported-to-converge-on-west-bank-city/