Welcome to a special report on the recent escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank. Israeli troops have carried out extensive raids in cities like Tulkarm, Jenin, Balata refugee camp, and Abu Shukheidim, leaving destruction and fatalities in their wake. The raids have targeted civilian infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, including children and elders.
Journalists documenting the attacks have been fired upon, and even 13-year-old Palestinian girl, Bana Laboum, lost her life in an Israeli attack carried out by settlers. The level of destruction in camps like Jenin is heart-wrenching, with homes demolished, graffiti on walls, and families forced to flee with little protection.
The Israeli military operation, named “Operation Summer Camps,” is said to target refugee camps harboring Palestinian combatants, but the focus appears to be on civilians. Local armed youth groups have emerged in defense of their communities, while the Palestinian Authority has been criticized for failing to protect its people.
Join us in exploring the brutal siege of Jenin with Palestinian writer and journalist, Mariam Barghouti. Learn more in Part 2 of our discussion at democracynow.org.