The ongoing Israeli military operation in the West Bank has raised many questions about the sophistication of the Israeli army and the resilience of the Palestinian residents. As the operation enters its second week, the situation in the West Bank has been compared to that of Gaza, from the heavy military presence, curfews, and severe disruption to everyday life.
The military operation followed the escape of six Palestinian prison inmates from the high-security Gilboa Prison. In response, the Israeli authorities launched the large-scale manhunt, which has since evolved into a full-blown operation in the West Bank.
Palestinian residents have had their daily life significantly disrupted due to the operation. The increased military presence, coupled with a series of curfews, home invasions, and area closures, has made life unexpectedly strenuous for the inhabitants of the West Bank. With more than 200 Palestinians in custody, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, the situation has fast declined into a state of chaos and security tension.
With a similar scenario witnessed in Gaza, it is no surprise that the West Bank situation has sparked comparisons. Life in Gaza, home to 2 million Palestinians, has been marked by frequent military incursions and seething violence. The area has been under strict blockade by Israel for more than a decade, making it a strip of land that is typically associated with constant conflict and despair.
The intensified Israeli military presence is reminiscent of the operations conducted in Gaza. Nightly raids and arrests are reminiscent of those that the people of Gaza have witnessed over the past years. The controlling measures such as invasive surveillance, arrests, and restrictions on movements which the West Bank residents currently face, mirror the experiences of the Gaza population.
Significantly, the current operation has proven the Israeli military’s ability to commit a large number of resources and personnel to this operation. This demonstration of Israeli military finesse is a remake of the military might that has been witnessed in Gaza.
However, resilience from the Palestinian people cannot be neglected. Despite the heaviness of Israeli military operations, Palestinian residents continue to gallantly push back against these forces. Protests have been held, with civilians standing up to the soldiers in a show of unity and resistance. This resilience is a mirror image of the Gaza people’s constant fight for traditional rootedness and freedom.
The extensive Israeli operation in the West Bank has further strained the Israeli-Palestinian relations, highlighted the military capabilities of Israel, and also reinforced the resilience in the Palestinian population. As the operation continues, the fate of the West Bank remains uncertain. However, the comparison to Gaza is not a reflection of despair but instead a testament to unyielding and indefatigable resistance.
