The Israeli military's operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin has ended, the Israeli military said Wednesday. "All the forces have left Jenin. We have finished the operation – its goals have been achieved," Chief spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told Israeli military radio station Galei Tzahal. At least 12 people, from ages 16 to 23, were killed and scores more injured after Israeli forces launched large-scale operations in the camp this week, Palestinian officials said. Early Wednesday, the Israeli military said it also conducted strikes in the Gaza Strip, in response to five rockets launched toward Israeli territory, all of which were intercepted. Video obtained by CNN showed Israeli military vehicles starting to withdraw from the occupied West Bank city, as other vehicles are seen entering. Israeli officials are touting their two-day military raid on Jenin as "an overwhelming success", according to Al Jazeera's Imran Khan in West Jerusalem. The army and the government say they were able to thwart "terrorist activity", seize weapons, and arrest and interrogate dozens, said Khan. After Palestinians responded to Israel's assault on the refugee camp two weeks ago with improvised explosives, Israeli forces said a much larger offensive was needed, he said, adding the camp has come to symbolize Palestinian resistance. While Israeli forces have now withdrawn from the site, they are likely to return soon. "The message right now is, this isn't over, they will come back," said Khan, adding that the reeling refugee camp will still be under continued pressure. — Agencies
