An American Activist Killed in West Bank as Israeli Forces Retreat from Jenin
The IDF has not clarified whether the withdrawal is a conclusion or just a temporary pause. Meanwhile, reports indicate that a Turkish-American activist was killed by IDF forces during a demonstration.
Israeli forces pulled out of Jenin city and its refugee camp on September 6 after a ten-day period of intense fighting, the most severe on the West Bank since the October 7, 2023 massacre and subsequent Gaza conflict.
As of late Friday, the Israel Defense Force (IDF) had not made a statement regarding the status of its counter-terrorism operation in Jenin, whether it was ending or on hold.
The IDF also stated that they are investigating an incident in Beita where a foreign national was reportedly killed on Friday when troops fired on an individual engaged in violent behavior, posing a threat by throwing rocks at the forces.
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller identified the victim as Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old American of Turkish origin. The White House acknowledged Eygi’s death but did not confirm if she was shot by Israeli troops.
She was allegedly shot during a protest in Beita against an Israeli settlement, Evyatar, recently sanctioned by the Israeli government.
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The White House expressed deep concern over the killing.
Other Operations
The IDF has not provided updates on the status of other operations in the West Bank, such as those in Tubas, Far’a in the Jordan Valley, and Tulkarem on the West Bank’s border with Israel.
According to the IDF’s social media recap of recent activities in the Jenin area, they have eliminated 14 terrorists, apprehended over 30 suspects, dismantled around 30 roadside explosives, and conducted four aerial strikes in the region.
Over the past week, the IDF engaged in high-intensity combat in the West Bank, eliminating 35 terrorists and arresting approximately 45 others.
They targeted “40 terror infrastructures” including command and control centers disguised as schools, colleges, and humanitarian areas.
Security forces dismantled structures in Jenin, including an underground weapons storage facility beneath a mosque and an explosives-manufacturing lab.
“Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence,” stated the IDF.
The IDF reported the death of Wassem Hazem, the head of Hamas in Jenin, who was responsible for attacks in the area and in Judea and Samaria, as referred to by many Israelis for the West Bank.
Palestinian health authorities, under Fatah’s control in the West Bank, stated that 39 Palestinians were killed during Israel’s recent operations, with 21 fatalities in Jenin.
A column of Israeli armored vehicles leave following a counter-terrorism operation in Tubas, West Bank, on Aug. 14, 2024. Majdi Mohammed/AP
Jenin has historically been a hub of terrorist activity on the West Bank, particularly during the Second Intifada from 2000 to 2005, where many suicide bombers originated.
Tension in West Bank
Tensions between Palestinian and Jewish residents in the West Bank are common, often centered around land disputes. Both sides accuse each other of constructing illegal settlements.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conservative government, with members prioritizing Judea and Samaria, has increased support for Jewish settlements, including legalizing unauthorized developments and allocating spaces for more.
Recently, a masked Jewish group attacked the Arab village of Jit, setting buildings and vehicles on fire before being dispersed by IDF soldiers. One Palestinian was killed, and four Israelis have been arrested so far, three adults and one juvenile.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
