US State Department warns against civilian casualties in Jenin

Commenting on the IDF’s ongoing operation in Jenin, the US State Department says, “It is imperative to take all possible precautions to prevent the loss of civilian lives.”

There have been no reports yet of civilian deaths in the Jenin operation, but dozens were reported wounded.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is “doing everything to avoid civilian casualties.”

“Today’s events further underscore the urgent need for Israeli and Palestinian security forces to work together to improve the security situation in the West Bank,” a statement from a State Department spokesperson adds, after reiterating an earlier White House statement that backed Israel’s right to self defense against Palestinian terror organizations.

The US statement comes as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas says the PA will end all cooperation with Israel, including security ties.