Palestine - July 2023

In the midst of escalating tensions across the West Bank, the Israeli military conducted a large-scale operation in the densely populated Jenin refugee camp between 3 and 5 July. The offensive was the most significant since the Second Intifada (2000-2005), leaving at least 12 Palestinians killed and 143 wounded. Moreover, the operation damaged the camp’s infrastructure extensively, causing power outages, Internet cuts, sewer disruptions, and a lack of access to clean water. Israeli forces bulldozed roads and imposed access restrictions, impeding ambulance services. An estimated 3,500 residents were displaced. In retaliation, militants based in Gaza launched rockets towards Tel Aviv on 5 July. Israel responded with airstrikes in Gaza. Further incidents throughout July claimed the lives of at least 27 Palestinians and one Israeli.

The operation in Jenin drew international criticism, with condemnations from the United Nations and a European envoy questioning the “proportionality” of Israeli force. Israel maintains that its raids in Jenin are targeted efforts to dismantle "terrorist infrastructure". However, experts have asserted that these actions constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions, suggesting that legal action should be initiated to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Palestine, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Palestine.

Sources: Al Jazeera (1), The New York Times, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (1), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (2), Haaretz, Al Jazeera (2), UN News, Middle East Eye