It’s been 20 years since Israeli forces invaded Jenin refugee camp in April 2002, as part of the “Defensive Shield” operation the Israeli military launched during the second intifada.

The battle, which was reportedly planned for three days, lasted over a week. More than 20 Israeli soldiers and at least 50 Palestinians, half of whom were fighters, were killed.

At least 140 buildings were completely destroyed and more than 200 others rendered uninhabitable.

Jenin has served as a launching site for numerous attacks then and now.

The city and its refugee camp are still a hotbed of resistance, often referred to by Israelis as “a circle of fire” that needs to be put out.

It’s estimated that there are thousands of weapons in Jenin.

Political factions there – mainly Fatah and Islamic Jihad – work in tandem.

The city is relatively close to the Green Line and locals say their fight with the occupation is “personal” since every home has a
firsthand experience with loss, demolition or prisons.

Aljazeera.