The Israeli military launched a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, killing at least seven Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The operation, named Iron Wall, was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an effort to “eradicate terrorism in Jenin.”

The operation involves the Israeli military, police, and Shin Bet security agency, with armored vehicles, sharpshooters, and warplanes deployed in and around Jenin. Local reports, including those from Palestinian news agency Wafa, stated that airstrikes targeted parts of the city, and armored bulldozers and vehicles moved through the streets. Ambulances were reportedly blocked from entering the refugee camp, which has become a focal point of the conflict.

Videos shared by local journalists showed extensive military activity, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, the Al Quds Brigades, said its fighters were actively engaging advancing Israeli troops near the refugee camp.

Rising Tensions Following Gaza Ceasefire

The escalation comes days after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, raising concerns about renewed instability. Islamic Jihad accused Netanyahu of using the operation to bolster his “faltering government coalition” and undermine recent celebrations in the West Bank, where Palestinian prisoners were released under the Gaza truce.

“We call on our people throughout the occupied West Bank to confront this criminal campaign by all means,” the group said in a statement.

Israeli Officials Signal Broader Campaign

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that security in the West Bank is now a core part of Israel’s “war goals.” Smotrich, a vocal critic of the Gaza ceasefire, expressed confidence in the ongoing operations, stating that Israel is working to “change the security concept in Judea and Samaria,” using the biblical term for the West Bank.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has not confirmed whether this expansion of goals reflects official policy.

Civilian Impact and Casualties

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported 35 injuries from the operation, with those affected transferred to hospitals in Jenin. Since Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israeli forces and settlers have killed 851 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including 173 children, according to official figures.

The refugee camp in Jenin, originally established in 1948 for Palestinians displaced by Israel’s creation, now houses approximately 25,000 people. The camp has seen increased tension in recent months, with the Palestinian Authority (PA) launching its own security operations to target militant groups.

The ongoing conflict in Jenin underscores the volatile situation in the region, with both sides bracing for potential escalations.

European Leaders Brace for Policy Shifts as Trump Prepares for Inauguration

As Donald Trump prepares to assume office as the 47th president of the United States, European leaders are emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with Washington while adapting to potential shifts in international policies and agreements.

Ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Monday, leaders across Europe expressed both optimism and apprehension about the trajectory of US-European relations under his leadership.

Commitment to Transatlantic Relations

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to its “special relationship” with the United States. “We look forward to working with Donald Trump over the next four years,” Lammy said, signaling Britain’s intent to collaborate closely with the incoming administration.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the enduring strength of US-Latvia relations despite uncertainties. Rinkēvičs pointed to potential challenges in areas such as defense spending, climate policies, and European unity, noting, “We will have a rather uncertain and turbulent year.” He underscored the need for Europe to adapt to Trump’s unpredictable leadership style, particularly if the US withdraws from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.

Calls for European Sovereignty

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the importance of defining clear boundaries in the US-Europe relationship. “Protecting the integrity of the European public debate and safeguarding European sovereignty against external influences” is paramount, Barrot stated.

His remarks reflect growing concerns about foreign interference, particularly from US-based social media platforms owned by South African billionaire Elon Musk. Musk’s recent endorsement of Germany’s far-right AfD party and his criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government have heightened fears of external meddling in European politics.

Greenland Controversy

Tensions also emerged following Trump’s controversial suggestion that Denmark hand over Greenland to the United States to “protect the free world.” Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warned of potential foreign policy crises should Trump pursue such ideas.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Múte B Egede rejected the notion outright, asserting the island’s independence. “We are Greenlandic. We don’t want to be American or Danish,” Egede said, underscoring Greenland’s intent to resist external pressure.

Trump’s Agenda

Once inaugurated, Trump is expected to act swiftly, signing executive orders to accelerate deportations, expand fossil fuel production, and reduce civil service protections for government employees. He has promised that his presidency will herald “a brand new day of American strength, prosperity, dignity, and pride.”

European leaders now face the dual task of preserving transatlantic ties while preparing for significant changes in US foreign policy under Trump’s administration.

Millions of TikTok users across the United States were met with a jarring message on Saturday as a federal ban on the popular social media platform officially took effect. Upon opening the app, users encountered a pop-up stating, “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now,” halting their ability to view or post videos.

The ban marks the culmination of growing concerns over national security and data privacy, leading to TikTok’s removal from major app stores operated by Apple and Google. By Saturday evening, the app and its website were inaccessible, just hours before the legislation came into force.

The pop-up message informed users of the change, stating, “A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.” The notice also referenced President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to work toward a resolution, saying, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office.”

The federal ban has sparked widespread debate among users, tech experts, and lawmakers. While some view it as a necessary measure to address concerns over data security and potential foreign influence, others criticize it as an infringement on digital freedom and expression.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has been under scrutiny for years, with critics alleging that user data collected by the platform could be accessed by the Chinese government. The company has repeatedly denied these claims, asserting that it prioritizes user privacy and operates independently.

The app’s sudden blackout has left creators and businesses grappling with uncertainty. For many, TikTok was not only a source of entertainment but also a platform for marketing, brand-building, and income generation.

Legal challenges to the ban may still emerge, with critics arguing that the decision sets a troubling precedent for tech regulation and global business operations. Some experts predict that negotiations under the incoming Trump administration could lead to a compromise that reinstates the app, possibly under stricter regulations or new ownership conditions.

For now, TikTok’s U.S. users face an uncertain future, as the app’s vibrant ecosystem of short-form videos goes dark. Whether the ban will result in a permanent shutdown or a temporary suspension hinges on upcoming political and legal developments.