Why Israel launched West Bank raids in the wake of Gaza's ceasefire

NEWS WIRES

23 January 2025 at 4:18 am·1-min read

Israeli troops and military vehicles prepare to enter Jenin in the occupied West Bank on January 22, 2025.

Days after Israel agreed a ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military ramped up operations in the West Bank city of Jenin and beyond. Violence has also flared in the territory as masked gangs rampaged through Palestinian villages, hurling stones and setting fire to cars and property.

In the days since a fragile ceasefire took hold in the Gaza Strip, Israel has launched a major military operation in the occupied West Bank and suspected Jewish settlers have rampaged through two Palestinian towns.

The violence comes as Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from his far-right allies after agreeing to the truce and hostage-prisoner exchange with the Hamas militant group.

U.S. President Donald Trump has, meanwhile, rescinded the Biden administration's sanctions against Israelis accused of violence in the territory.

It's a volatile mix that could undermine the ceasefire, which is set to last for at least six weeks and bring about the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, most of whom will be released into the West Bank.

Palestinian residents have reported a major increase in Israeli checkpoints and delays across the territory.

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