In a significant escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel conducted its first airstrike in the West Bank in months on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, killing three people in the Jenin refugee camp. The strike marks a sharp intensification of military operations in a region already reeling from surging settler violence and heightened militant activity.
West Bank Airstrike Details
According to local Palestinian health officials, the Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in Jenin, a known flashpoint for clashes between Israeli forces and armed Palestinian groups. The three fatalities included individuals affiliated with a militant faction aligned with Hamas, which later confirmed their deaths in a statement.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operation was a “precise counterterrorism strike” aimed at disrupting an imminent attack being planned by the cell. “The targeted individuals were actively involved in orchestrating attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces,” an IDF spokesperson said.
Rising Tensions in the Occupied Territories
This airstrike comes amid a documented surge in violence across the West Bank. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a 40% increase in settler-related attacks on Palestinian communities in the past quarter alone. Simultaneously, militant groups have stepped up ambushes and IED attacks against Israeli patrols.
Jenin, long considered a stronghold for armed resistance, has seen repeated Israeli incursions in 2025. However, the use of aerial bombardment—a tactic more commonly associated with operations in Gaza—signals a potential shift in Israel’s tactical approach in the West Bank.
International Reaction
The strike drew swift condemnation from several Arab states and human rights organizations. The Palestinian Authority called an emergency meeting, labeling the attack a “dangerous escalation.” Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department urged “maximum restraint” from all parties but stopped short of criticizing Israel directly.
“The use of airstrikes in densely populated areas of the West Bank raises serious concerns under international humanitarian law,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International.
Context: Why Jenin?
Jenin refugee camp has been a focal point of unrest since the early 2000s. Its narrow alleys and dense population make ground operations difficult for Israeli forces, leading to reliance on drones and, now, airstrikes. Israeli officials claim that militant cells in Jenin have received increased funding and weapons smuggling from external actors, including Hezbollah and Iran-backed networks.
Timeline of Escalation: West Bank Violence in 2025
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2025 | Deadliest settler raid in decades kills 11 in Huwara |
| June 2025 | IDF launches week-long operation in Jenin; 12 Palestinians killed |
| September 2025 | Hamas-linked group claims responsibility for Tel Aviv bus bombing |
| October 28, 2025 | Israel conducts first West Bank airstrike in months; 3 killed in Jenin |
What Comes Next?
Analysts warn that the introduction of airstrikes into the West Bank could trigger a broader cycle of retaliation. With the T20 World Cup and other global events dominating headlines, there are concerns the international community may deprioritize diplomatic intervention in the region.
For now, residents of Jenin remain on edge, bracing for further raids. “We live in fear every day,” said one local shopkeeper who asked not to be named. “Now even the sky isn’t safe.”
Sources
The New York Times: Israeli Conducts First Airstrike in West Bank in Months, Killing 3
