Continued Operations of the Israeli Army in the West Bank; Britain: Serious Instability Risk

Palestinian Authority officials announced on Friday, September 9, that the Israeli army attacked the city of Jenin in the West Bank amid ongoing intense clashes in the area. Meanwhile, the British government expressed deep concern over Israel's operations in the West Bank, warning that there is a serious risk of instability. The Israeli army stated that a military aircraft targeted a 'terrorist cell' during an 'anti-terror operation' by Israeli security forces in the Jenin area. According to the Associated Press, such airstrikes, although common during the nearly 11-month war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, are considered rare in the West Bank during this period. Additionally, the Israeli army announced that its 'border police' killed a senior Hamas commander named Wasim Hazem in the West Bank on Friday. He was reportedly killed in a vehicle that was said to contain weapons, ammunition, and large amounts of cash. Two militants from the group were also killed by a drone while attempting to flee from the vehicle. Israel claims that the attacks in northern West Bank, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 20 militants since late Tuesday, September 6, are aimed at preventing further attacks. However, Palestinians view this as an escalation of war and an attempt to continue Israel's decades-long military rule over the West Bank. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, the British government on Friday reiterated its deep concern over Israel's operations in the West Bank, warning of a serious risk of instability and emphasizing the urgent need to de-escalate tensions. A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that they continue to urge Israeli officials to show restraint, adhere to international law, and suppress those seeking to incite tensions. Israel has warned about the formation of a 'terrorist front' supported by the Islamic Republic in the West Bank.