Residents of the occupied West Bank city of Jenin are struggling to return to normalcy after the longest and deadliest Israeli military operation in the area in two decades. The city is slowly coming back to life, with traffic returning to the streets and vendors selling goods, but the destruction caused by the Israeli military operation is severe.
Sewage is still flowing through the streets, and many buildings show signs of fierce fighting, with infrastructure damaged. The Israeli military launched Operation Summer Camps in August, targeting Palestinian militant groups. The raids focused on urban refugee camps, where poverty, crime, and militancy are prevalent.
The IDF reported killing 14 fighters, arresting 30, and confiscating weapons during the operation. However, according to the Palestinian health ministry, 36 people were killed, including civilians, children, and the elderly. The infrastructure damage in Jenin is estimated at $13 million.
Residents are living in fear, with many forced to flee their homes during raids. Families are struggling to cope with the destruction and violence caused by the ongoing conflict. The hope for a ceasefire in Gaza to calm tensions in the West Bank seems distant, as international mediators struggle to broker a truce.
Despite the challenges faced by the residents of Jenin, there is a sense of resilience and determination among the community. Many young people feel compelled to join the resistance due to the lack of opportunities and the ongoing cycle of violence. The future remains uncertain, but the people of Jenin remain united in their struggle for peace and justice.
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