An Israeli patrol blocks off operational area of Jenin, July 31, 2023

Early Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces conducted an operation in Jenin, the first since Operation "Bayit VeGan" (Home & Garden), with the aim of eradicating terrorist cells and arresting two wanted terrorists affiliated with Hamas. The Golani patrol and the Judea and Samaria patrol were involved in the arrest operation. According to Palestinian reports, one of the captured terrorists is Pethai Atum, a senior member of Hamas in the region who was previously imprisoned by Israel. The second terrorist is Rabia A-Senuri. During the operation, there was a heavy exchange of fire, but there were no casualties among the IDF soldiers. However, a military engineering vehicle was disabled due to a technical malfunction, and the IDF is working to recover it.

This operation follows the IDF's discovery last Thursday of the remains of a rocket fired from the Jenin area at the Gilboa region in Israel, which landed within Palestinian territories. The "Eyyash" Jenin militant brigade claimed responsibility for the rocket launch, stating that it was in response to Israeli actions. The IDF confirmed that the rocket was fired by saboteurs.

In addition to the rocket launch, unusual footage of a tunnel tens of meters long was published on Sunday afternoon, located under the Jenin refugee camp. The IDF is concerned that terrorists in the camp are attempting to rehabilitate the terrorist infrastructure that was thwarted in a previous operation three weeks ago. The tunnel appears to be intended for combat use, indicating a potential escalation in the region.

Oved Nur, the head of the Gilboa Regional Council, expressed concern over the recent escalation in the area. He called for proactive actions by the army to thwart future rocket launches toward Israeli territory. Without such measures, there is a risk of harm to the region. For now, the Gilboa region continues to maintain its routine, but vigilance and cooperation with security forces remain paramount.

These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges in the region and the need for continuous efforts to combat terrorism. The IDF's operations in Jenin demonstrate the resolve to protect Israeli citizens and prevent further attacks. However, the presence of tunnels and the attempted rocket launch underscore the persistent threat posed by militant groups operating in the area.

While the IDF remains committed to maintaining security and safeguarding the region, ongoing cooperation with intelligence agencies and neighboring countries is crucial to address terrorist activities effectively. Additionally, proactive measures and intelligence gathering are vital to prevent potential attacks before they can be executed.

Despite the challenges, Israel continues to prioritize security measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. It is essential for the international community to support and collaborate with Israel in its efforts to combat terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region.

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