Israeli Defense Minister Katz instructs army to increase attacks in the occupied West Bank following series of explosions in Bat-Yam

According to The Times of Israel, Defense Minister Katz's instruction to increase attacks came after a series of explosions on 3 consecutive buses in the city of Bat-Yam, south of Tel Aviv. Katz claimed that the explosions in Bat-Yam were an attempted attack, hence he instructed the army to increase attacks on all refugee camps in the occupied West Bank, particularly targeting the Tulkarem Refugee Camp. Katz also threatened the local residents whom he accused of assisting Palestinian resistance groups, stating that 'Residents of the region will pay a heavy price.' Following the ceasefire reached in Gaza taking effect on Sunday, January 19, the Israeli army initiated an attack named 'Iron Wall' on Tuesday, January 21 in the northern city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank. Extending their intense attacks to Tul Karem on January 27, El-Faria Refugee Camp in Tubas on February 2, and Tamoun village on February 8, the Israeli army withdrew its forces from Tamoun after a week-long siege. On February 9, Israeli soldiers expanded their attacks to include the Nur Shams Refugee Camp east of Tul Karem. Since January 21, at least 56 Palestinians have lost their lives, thousands have been injured, and structures and infrastructure in the region have been extensively damaged due to the Israeli army's attacks. In addition, since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks by settlers who have been illegally occupying Palestinian territories have resulted in the deaths of 167 Palestinians, including 917 children, and injuries to nearly 7,000 people in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.