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Israel targets terror infrastructure in Judea and Samaria camps

Security forces are clearing roads, demolishing structures, and imposing movement restrictions to curb terrorist activity.

Tulkarem
An IDF operation in Tulkarem in northern Samaria, on Aug. 29, 2024. Credit: Flash90.

The IDF has been targeting terrorist infrastructure within Palestinian camps in Judea and Samaria as part of a large-scale operation launched two months ago, according to a report by Ynet on Wednesday.

Dubbed Operation Iron Wall, the mission primarily focuses on the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams camps. Israeli security forces have reportedly demolished structures and cleared roads to facilitate military movement and prevent armed groups from using the camps as operational bases.

Security officials said the demolitions, which are subject to legal review, aim to ensure unrestricted military access and disrupt the re-establishment of terrorist strongholds. In Jenin, some 200 homes have been taken down, with similar efforts underway in Tulkarm and Nur Shams, where roads have also been cleared to enhance troop mobility.

According to the IDF, there has been a rise in militant activity within refugee camps, with armed groups employing explosive devices and fortified positions to obstruct Israeli forces. Since the Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, at least ten Israeli soldiers have lost their lives due to improvised explosive devices in the region.

Beyond the immediate areas of operation, Israeli forces have set up barriers and imposed movement restrictions in key locations, including measures to limit access between the Jordan Valley and nearby Palestinian villages. These steps are intended to prevent militant movement and reinforce security.

While there are no current plans to extend the operation to all 18 refugee camps in Judea and Samaria, military officials are said to have developed contingency strategies in case other camps become focal points for terrorist activity.

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