Residents of Jenin in the occupied West Bank are struggling to return to normality after the longest and deadliest Israeli military operation in the area in 20 years. The city is slowly coming back to life with the reopening of shops, repairs to roads, and the resumption of traffic. However, much of the infrastructure, including water and electricity services, has been severely damaged, leaving residents uncertain about when these essential services will be restored.
The recent Israeli military operation, dubbed Operation Summer Camps, targeted Palestinian militant groups in response to attacks on Israelis. The raids focused on urban refugee camps, including one in Jenin, resulting in widespread destruction, with many buildings showing signs of fierce fighting.
The violence in the West Bank has escalated since the war in Gaza, with the IDF conducting the largest operation in the territory since the second intifada. This has led to a significant number of casualties, infrastructure damage estimated at $13 million, and a growing sense of desperation among the population.
The younger generation of fighters in the camps is less affiliated with traditional Palestinian factions and more motivated by a lack of opportunities and hope for the future. Residents like Abu Mahmoud expressed frustration with the situation, stating that they are forced into resistance due to the lack of alternatives.
With no ceasefire in sight and tensions running high, residents of Jenin fear that worse is yet to come. The destruction caused by the recent military operation has left many struggling to rebuild their lives, with little hope for a resolution to the conflict on the horizon.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
