Description: In an apparent counter terrorism operation, Israeli forces have conducted aerial strikes and committed troops to a ground offensive in the Jenin province in the occupied West Bank. The attack has been followed by raids from Israeli settlers who also rioted and set vehicles on fire in the province. Mixed reports from Palestinian Authority’s security forces representatives and officials from the Israeli government indicate that civilians were also killed or injured in the attacks.
Impact: The attacks came only a day after the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel which could provoke counteroffensive from Palestinian – backed armed forces and eradicate all efforts for peace. Israel risks corrupting the peace offensive with military operations such as this and although Hamas hasn’t responded, tensions in the West Bank are expected to rise if such operations continue to be conducted by either side. Mediators should focus on applying diplomatic and political pressure if the imperative is for the ceasefire agreement to hold.