The northern West Bank has been rocked by a major Israeli military incursion, now in its second day, resulting in at least 16 casualties, according to Israeli authorities and Palestinian health officials. The operation, which aims to dismantle "terrorist infrastructure" used by militant groups to stage attacks on Israelis, has led to clashes between troops and militants in cities and refugee camps, trapping civilians and causing significant damage to roads and infrastructure.

Residents in the areas of Tulkarm and Jenin, where the raids have been concentrated, reported being confined to their homes, mosques, and hospitals as Israeli military vehicles blocked roads and clashes erupted. Some individuals were detained by soldiers and later released but faced difficulties returning home. The violence has also disrupted basic services, including water, power, internet, and cellular service.

The military operation, launched by Israel on Tuesday night, involved hundreds of troops supported by combat aircraft. The initial targets included Tulkarm, Jenin, and the al-Fara'a refugee camp in the northern part of the occupied West Bank. This operation marks the most significant offensive in the Palestinian territory since the attacks carried out by Hamas-led fighters from the Gaza Strip on October 7.

According to the Israeli military and Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah, the raids have claimed the lives of at least 16 people so far. Militant groups have announced the deaths of their fighters, suggesting that a majority of the casualties are combatants. Among those killed was Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shuja'a, a prominent Palestinian militant commander, who was accused by the Israeli military of planning and executing attacks, including the June shooting of Israeli civilian Amnon Muchtar in the West Bank city of Qalqilya.

The heightened violence in the West Bank has seen a surge in militant activity, with more Palestinians taking up arms in response to Israeli military operations and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the area. Since October, clashes have claimed the lives of at least 622 Palestinians and 15 Israelis, according to the U.N. humanitarian affairs office.

The ongoing military operation has had devastating consequences for the local population. In Jenin, Israeli forces have blocked access to hospitals and medical facilities, impeding the work of doctors and paramedics. Internet and phone services have also been cut off due to infrastructure damage caused by the raids. In the besieged Jenin refugee camp, residents find themselves trapped without essential services such as water or electricity, while Israeli snipers stationed nearby increase the sense of fear and danger. The situation is dire, leaving many civilians in desperate conditions.

As the fighting rages on, the Palestine Red Crescent Society has been working tirelessly to evacuate civilians and treat the injured. Ahmad Zahran, deputy director of Tulkarm's Red Crescent chapter, described the scenes of devastation, with entire neighborhoods destroyed, including houses, shops, and crucial infrastructure. The organization has already evacuated 32 civilians, primarily children, but faces obstacles in retrieving the bodies of the deceased due to restrictions imposed by Israeli forces.

Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani asserted that security forces are working around the clock to respond to reports of damage to civilian infrastructure. He emphasized the coordination of ambulance entries and exits, ensuring that terrorists do not exploit hospitals while permitting medical services to operate effectively.

The ongoing military operation in the West Bank continues to escalate tensions and deepen the suffering of both Israeli and Palestinian communities. As the death toll rises, concerns over the long-term consequences of the violence persist, adding to the urgency for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.