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Operation Defensive Shield (2002)

An Israeli military operation conducted during the Second Intifada, from 29 March to 10 May 2002. The immediate trigger for the operation was a suicide bombing in Netanya that resulted in 30 Israeli casualties. In response, Israel initiated a major ground incursion into several West Bank cities, with the goal of preventing Palestinian militant attacks and "dismantle the terror infrastructure". As part of the operation, PNA Chairman Yasser Arafat's compound in Ramallah was besieged and partially demolished. The heaviest fighting took place in Jenin. The death toll during the operation amounted to around 30 Israelis and several hundred Palestinians.
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