The Ongoing Conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has reached a critical juncture, marked by escalating violence, widespread displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The recent outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023, has set off a chain of events that has significantly heightened tensions in the region.
Latest Developments
The current escalation in the West Bank is closely tied to the Israeli army's "Iron Wall" operation in Jenin, which began on January 21, 2025. This operation is part of a broader strategy by Israel to counter what it perceives as terrorist activities, particularly those linked to Iranian influence. The operation, targeting the Jenin Brigades, a local Palestinian militia, has involved extensive military raids, airstrikes, and the use of advanced weaponry such as drones and armored vehicles, including bulldozers[1].
The IDF has deployed large numbers of troops, including special forces, Shin Bet agents, and Border Police officers into Jenin. Palestinian sources have also reported the participation of Israeli warplanes in the operation. The initial phase of the operation included drone strikes on militant infrastructure, setting the stage for a prolonged and intense military presence in the area[1].
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the operation as an action against the "Iranian axis," highlighting the perceived Iranian support for West Bank militants. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has also stated that the operation marks the beginning of a campaign to protect Israeli settlements in the occupied region[1].
The start of Operation Iron Wall abruptly ended a previous operation in Jenin by the Palestinian Authority (PA), whose forces withdrew from their positions as the IDF began the raid. According to the PA, the Israeli operation caught them by surprise, resulting in the deaths of PA forces members by Israeli fire. This indicates that the IDF likely felt the PA's actions against militants were insufficient[1].
Humanitarian Impact
The humanitarian situation in both the West Bank and Gaza has deteriorated rapidly since the conflict escalated in October 2023. In Gaza, the aftermath of the war has been catastrophic. Over 45,000 people have been killed, and more than 109,000 have been injured. The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with only 16 of Gaza's 36 hospitals remaining partly functional as of November 2024[5].
The widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure has had a devastating impact on Gaza's two million residents. About 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, many multiple times, and the entire population is in need of humanitarian assistance. However, persistent Israeli restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid and the movement of humanitarian staff have severely hampered the response efforts. This has led to a desperate shortage of food, fuel, medicine, and other essential supplies[2].
In the West Bank, the situation is equally dire. Since October 7, 2023, more than 900 Palestinians have been killed, a quarter of them children, representing an over 100% increase compared to 2022. Israeli military incursions, destruction of Palestinian property, rising settler violence, and severe movement and access restrictions have deepened the crisis. The violence has led to the displacement of over 4,000 people due to the demolition or confiscation of homes and structures, resulting in the loss of lands and livelihoods for many Palestinians[2].
Settler Violence and Israeli Military Actions
Settler violence against Palestinians has surged significantly. Incidents have increased from an average of three per day to seven per day, resulting in casualties, property damage, and displacement. These attacks have been carried out with the active support or passive acquiescence of Israeli security forces in many cases. The United Nations has documented that in nearly half of all settler attacks in 2023, Israeli forces were either accompanying or actively supporting the settler perpetrators[2].
Israeli military operations in the West Bank have been characterized by the use of war-like tactics, including drone strikes, airstrikes, and the deployment of armored personnel carriers and bulldozers. These actions have targeted urban refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas, where Palestinian armed groups have been active since March 2022[1].
Expert Perspectives
The situation on the ground has been described by various experts and officials as dire and potentially catastrophic. Kamal Abu al-Rub, the governor of Jenin, has criticized the Israeli operation, stating that Israel aims to turn the governorate into a "miniature, destroyed Gaza"[3].
"The Israeli military operations are not just about security; they are about creating a landscape of fear and displacement. The destruction in Jenin is not just physical; it is also psychological and economic," said Bashir Matahen, the director of public relations at Jenin Municipality[3].
Human Rights Watch has condemned Israel for its failure to protect Palestinians from settler attacks and for its role in displacing communities. "The Israeli military either took part in or did not protect Palestinians from violent settler attacks in the West Bank that have displaced people from 20 communities and have entirely uprooted at least 7 communities since October 7, 2023," the organization noted[5].
Future Implications
The ongoing conflict and the escalation of violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have significant implications for the future of the region. The continued displacement and violence may undermine any remaining prospects for a two-state solution, pushing the conflict towards a more intractable and violent phase. The humanitarian situation is likely to worsen, necessitating increased international aid and support. The long-term impact on Palestinian communities, including their economic and social well-being, could be severe[1][3][4].
International intervention may become more pressing as the situation deteriorates. There may be increased calls for diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, or even peacekeeping missions to halt the violence and protect Palestinian civilians. The international community may also impose economic or diplomatic sanctions on Israel if its actions are seen as violating international law and human rights standards[3].
The domestic political implications in Israel and the Palestinian territories are also significant. The operation and its aftermath could impact the political standing of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government, as well as influence the political landscape in the Palestinian territories, potentially strengthening militant groups or leading to changes in leadership[2].
Regional Impact
The conflict has also had a broader regional impact. In Lebanon, the ceasefire agreed upon between Israel and Hezbollah on November 27, 2024, has brought a level of relative calm after two months of intense ground combat and airstrikes. However, the humanitarian situation remains acute, with over 1.4 million people displaced, mostly within Lebanon but also in Syria. The destruction of nearly 25% of buildings in southern Lebanon will have long-lasting effects, and families continue to contend with the impact of conflict on top of a multiyear economic crisis[2].
Humanitarian Response
The scale of suffering and destruction in Gaza and the West Bank demands a massive and sustained humanitarian assistance effort. However, the delivery of aid and services has not matched the massive needs on the ground. Persistent restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid, repeated displacement orders, and attacks on humanitarian workers are driving a desperate shortage of essential supplies.
Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) have been working tirelessly to deliver aid. The PRCS has received over 22,000 trucks of humanitarian aid for distribution in Gaza and has supported over 345,000 people with health services. In the West Bank, PRCS teams have provided healthcare services in 11 clinics and delivered relief items to 220,000 people, including food, water, tents, and blankets[5].
Conclusion
The current conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip represents a critical moment in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The escalation of violence, settler attacks, and Israeli military operations have created a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action from the international community. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is imperative that all stakeholders work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The future of the region hangs in the balance, and the choices made now will have lasting consequences. The international community must act decisively to protect Palestinian civilians, ensure adherence to international law, and work towards a sustainable and just peace. Anything less risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and suffering that has already lasted far too long.
In the face of such dire circumstances, it is crucial for the international community to come together to address the humanitarian crisis, support diplomatic efforts, and ensure that the rights of all individuals in the region are protected. The ongoing conflict is a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that can bring peace, stability, and dignity to all people affected by this enduring conflict.
