In a statement that underscores Washington's long-standing alliance with Israel, newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has promised "unwavering support" for the nation. This declaration comes against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and intensified Israeli military actions in Jenin, located in the occupied West Bank.

Rubio's remarks were made during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he hailed Israel's military actions against armed Palestinian groups and pledged to work tirelessly to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, the timing of this commitment raises questions, as the situation in the occupied territories grows increasingly dire.

In Jenin, Israeli bulldozers have razed roads leading to the refugee camp and the local hospital, creating severe access issues for medical aid. Governor Kamal Abu Rub described the scene as "extremely difficult," with heavy gunfire, explosions, and aerial surveillance dominating the area. The Israeli military reported targeting what it described as "terrorists," claiming that their operations were necessary for security, but the human toll tells another story. Reports indicate that at least ten Palestinians have been killed, and dozens more injured, while hundreds remain trapped in areas cut off by military action.

This operation, codenamed "Iron Wall," continues a troubling pattern of escalating violence in the West Bank, a region that has already witnessed the displacement of thousands of Palestinian families. Streets have been torn apart by armoured vehicles, leaving communities disconnected and vulnerable. The use of such heavy-handed tactics reflects a broader Israeli strategy, which Prime Minister Netanyahu frames as part of a global fight against Iran's influence in the region.

While the international community calls for restraint, including a recent appeal from UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging Israel to avoid excessive force, the reality on the ground remains grim. The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, brokered after 15 months of devastating conflict, offers a glimmer of hope for some. However, its stability is far from certain, as hostilities persist in other occupied areas.

Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of this violence, caught between military operations and a lack of international accountability. The destruction of homes, hospitals, and infrastructure is not just collateral damage—it is a deliberate strategy that deepens the suffering of people who have endured decades of occupation.