Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani voiced “grave” concern on Tuesday regarding the humanitarian repercussions of Israel’s large-scale military operation against the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank.
In a statement published on the ministry’s website, Kanaani strongly condemned the Israeli army’s extensive air and ground assaults on the camp, which have persisted over the past two days.
The “evident crime” has resulted in the death and injury of numerous innocent Palestinians, the destruction of numerous homes, and the forcible displacement of a significant number of individuals, he said, calling upon the United Nations, the Security Council, other international organizations, and the global community to promptly intervene and halt Israel’s “maniacal crimes.”
Kanaani also highlighted the right of the Palestinian people and resistance groups to defend themselves against Israel.
At least 10 Palestinians were killed in the Jenin refugee camp and thousands fled their homes as Israel pressed ahead on Tuesday with its largest military campaign in the occupied West Bank since 2002.
The Israeli army said in a statement that it launched an “extensive counterterrorism effort in the area of Jenin city and the Jenin Camp” and carried out airstrikes on “terrorist infrastructure.”
Starting early on Monday, hundreds of Israeli commandos backed by drones raided the Jenin refugee camp.
Israel’s Military Spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters that at least 10 airstrikes have been carried out in the Jenin area and at least 110 “suspects” were arrested and questioned.
“There is no point in the (Jenin) refugee camp that we haven’t reached,” he said.
The raid prompted international condemnations and the Palestinian Authority has suspended all contacts with Israel.
Kamal Abu Arub, deputy governor of Jenin, told Israel’s Arab-language radio of A-Shams that about 3,000 residents have fled their homes and sought refuge in buildings belonging to the Palestinian Authority. Guesthouses and hotels in the area also opened their doors to the displaced residents.
According to UN estimates, about 15,000 to 20,000 people live in the crowded refugee camp.
