The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intensified its military operations in the northern West Bank, marking the fifth consecutive day of raids aimed at dismantling Palestinian militia networks.
On August 31, the IDF expanded its efforts to the Jenin refugee camp, where they encountered fierce resistance from various Palestinian militias, including the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).
The IDF reported the destruction of dozens of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the roads leading into the camp.
Read: Two Palestinian Fighters Killed In Failed Car Bombing Attempts In West Bank
In response, Palestinian fighters engaged Israeli forces with small arms and IEDs at multiple locations within Jenin. Hamas claimed responsibility for detonating IEDs targeting two IDF military vehicles near the camp and mourned the loss of several fighters killed in recent clashes in Jenin and Tulkarm.
As of August 31, the IDF announced that it had killed 26 Palestinian fighters and detained 30 individuals identified as wanted militants since the launch of “Operation Summer Camps” on August 27.
Escalation in Southern Lebanon and Golan Heights
Meanwhile, in a parallel escalation, Lebanese Hezbollah conducted at least six attacks against northern Israel. These included rocket and mortar strikes targeting the IDF’s 411th Battalion near Nave Kiv and the headquarters of the 300th Brigade near Ya’ara.
The IDF detected 40 rockets fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory, with some intercepted and others landing in uninhabited areas. In retaliation, the IDF launched artillery strikes on the rocket launch sites.
Houthi Attacks in the Gulf of Aden
The regional tension further escalated as the Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the Liberian-flagged container ship M/V GROTON in the Gulf of Aden on August 31. The Houthis alleged that the vessel was targeted for transporting goods to Israel, and launched drones and missiles in the attack.
Related: U.S. Central Command Forces Neutralize Iranian-Backed Houthi Threats In Yemen
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that two missiles exploded near the GROTON, which was 130 nautical miles east of Aden, Yemen. This attack follows a previous Houthi assault on the same vessel on August 3.
These developments highlight the increasing coordination and aggression of the Axis of Resistance, which includes Hezbollah, Hamas, PIJ, and the Houthis, as they continue to challenge Israeli and Western interests across the region.
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