United Nations: Concerned about Ongoing Israeli Military Operation in Jenin
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Jenin have raised significant concerns within the international community. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the urgency of conducting military operations in accordance with international humanitarian law to protect the civilians. The incursion was followed by another attack on June 19, which resulted in the death of 4 Palestinians and 91 injuries.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the airstrikes have caused the death of at least 10 Palestinians, including three children. Over 100 people have been injured, with 20 in critical condition. In an alleged act of retaliation, a Palestinian man drove into pedestrians in Tel Aviv, injuring seven people. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack in response to the military operation in Jenin.
The airstrikes have inflicted significant damage to residential structures, leading to the loss of essential services such as clean water and electricity for the majority of residents in the Jenin camp. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) manages vital facilities in the camp, including schools and healthcare centers, but these structures are now unusable due to the ongoing clashes. UNRWA urgently highlights the need for food, water, and powdered milk, especially for children.
The World Health Organization (WHO) expresses deep concern about the overload on Jenin's fragile and underfunded healthcare system. The extent of the injuries has overwhelmed medical facilities, while the destruction of roads within the camp hinders rescue efforts. Israeli forces have conducted checks at the camp's entrance, further impeding timely medical assistance to severely injured individuals.
These aggressions not only hinder access to healthcare but also violate the right to medical services. The WHO strongly condemns these attacks and highlights a significant increase in incidents related to healthcare in the West Bank. In the first five months of 2023, the WHO documented at least 124 attacks.