Israeli Army Withdraws from Northern West Bank After Military Offensive

Tubas: The Israeli army withdrew on Saturday evening from the Tubas governorate in the northern occupied West Bank, leaving behind a trail of injuries, arrests, and damaged infrastructure. Tubas Governor Ahmed Al-Asaad confirmed to Anadolu that the Israeli army had vacated the city of Tubas, its neighboring towns, and the Al-Fara'a refugee camp. According to Anadolu Agency, the military offensive, which began on Wednesday, targeted the city, several surrounding villages, and the Al-Fara'a camp. Al-Asaad reported that the Israeli forces had withdrawn from all areas of the governorate, evacuating homes they had used as military bases, and that assessments of the resulting losses and damages are underway. The destruction included significant damage to infrastructure, particularly at the entrances to the towns and villages of Tubas and the Al-Fara'a camp. This included the bulldozing of roads and the water network in the town of Tammoun. During the offensive, approximately 350 Palestinian homes were raided and vandalized by the army, Al-Asaad noted. The governor also stated that since the operation began, over 200 Palestinians have been detained, with about 70 still in custody. Additionally, more than 150 Palestinians were injured, predominantly from beatings. Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli army had withdrawn its forces from the town of Tammoun and the Al-Fara'a camp, located south of Tubas city. Despite the withdrawal, the Israeli army announced plans to continue its military activities in the northern occupied West Bank, including building demolitions in Jenin, citing "necessary operational needs." The escalation in military operations coincides with the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, during which more than 1,085 Palestinians have been killed and 10,700 injured. Over 20,500 people have been arrested as part of the ongoing conflict. In a significant ruling last July, the International Court of Justice deemed Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, calling for the evacuation of all set tlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.