Israel Accused of Using Force to Annex the West Bank by Islamic Jihad

Islamic Jihad has accused Israel of attempting to annex the West Bank through force. On February 24, 2025, reports emerged that Israeli military forces had extended their operations in the region, displacing tens of thousands of residents. The previous day, Israel announced its army would remain for months in three refugee camps in the northern part of the West Bank, where many residents were expelled and barred from returning home as part of a month-long military operation. Journalists from the French Press Agency witnessed armored vehicles near Jenin. The military confirmed deploying an armored unit in the occupied West Bank for the first time since the Second Intifada in 2000. Criticizing the use of tanks as additional tools of suppression, Islamic Jihad condemned Israel’s ‘escalation’ against Palestinians in the West Bank. They also denounced the decision to empty three Palestinian refugee camps and criticized Israel’s plans to forcibly annex the West Bank. Israel’s ongoing military campaign under ‘Iron Wall’ is described as a new aggressive move targeting the displacement of the Palestinian people. The Israeli Defense Minister instructed soldiers to prepare for prolonged stays in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps. Previously, Israel reported expelling about 40,000 Palestinians from these areas. According to the UN, at least 51 Palestinians, including seven children, have died in the current military operation which began shortly after the ceasefire in Gaza’s coastal area. Additionally, three Israeli soldiers were killed.