Israeli Forces Withdraw from Jenin After 10 Days

Israeli forces have withdrawn from the city of Jenin and a refugee camp there, following a 10-day episode of violent aggression.

Twenty-one people were killed in the city and camp, the Palestinian health ministry said in a statement.

A witness said the Israeli forces left behind extensive damage to infrastructure.

Residents said they lived in terror for the duration of the raid, with some having had to flee their homes.

In a statement on Facebook, the Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of transferring to the occupied West Bank its brutal destruction and devastation in the Gaza Strip, as evidenced by the situation in the cities of Jenin and Tulkarm, and the refugee camps there.

Meanwhile German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with her Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, in Tel Aviv on the second day of her Middle East trip.

The visit is her eleventh trip to the Middle East since the October 7 attack on Israel. She held talks with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and is expected to visit Saudi Arabia during the tour.

She renewed her call for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, pointing out that this is the only way to ensure the release of hostages, de-escalate the tensions, and revive diplomatic efforts for a political solution to the conflict.

“The Palestinians have a right to live in security and dignity. Negotiations on a two-state solution are the only option for lasting peace. This is the only way to tackle terrorism in the long term,” Baerbock said.

“Those members of the Israeli government who call into question the two-state solution with their words and deeds are jeopardizing Israel's long-term security,” she added.

Baerbock is expected to meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah.