Just days after pausing its offensive in Gaza, Israel has shifted its focus to the occupied West Bank. Despite ongoing raids in the West Bank alongside its assault on Gaza after October 7, 2023, the ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday has allowed Tel Aviv to concentrate on the remaining Palestinian territories.
Raids intensified earlier this week, with at least a dozen casualties, and residents of the Jenin refugee camp were forcibly evacuated. A UN official highlighted that Israel is applying “war fighting” tactics in the West Bank. While Israel justified its actions in Gaza by citing Hamas, the West Bank is governed by the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, revealing Israel’s broader issue with all Palestinians, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The escalation in the West Bank quickly shattered any hopes that the Gaza ceasefire might bring peace to the wider occupied territories. Israel, as demonstrated over the years, appears to benefit from ongoing conflict, with peacemaking seemingly not a priority for its leadership.
With the current U.S. administration heavily influenced by Zionist figures, the future for Palestinians looks grim. There is growing speculation that Israel may push to annex the West Bank, potentially with encouragement from the Trump administration. This move could escalate Palestinian resistance as both Gaza and West Bank residents continue to fight for their survival.
Additionally, the ceasefire in Lebanon is set to expire in a few days, and Israel has no plans to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Although Hezbollah may be weakened, it remains capable of resisting. Consequently, a broader conflict in the region could resume at any moment.
