The spring of 2002 was a particularly tense period in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a time when the Second Intifada was raging with devastating intensity. Amidst this backdrop, a day meant for celebration and reflection turned into a profound tragedy, triggering a significant military response.

The Passover Massacre: A Day of Mourning

On March 27, 2002, as families gathered for the traditional Passover Seder, a solemn and joyous holiday commemorating the liberation of the ancient Israelites, an unthinkable act of terror shattered the peace. The tranquil Park Hotel in the Israeli resort city of Netanya became the site of what would be remembered as the Passover massacre. A suicide bomber, affiliated with Hamas, infiltrated the hotel and detonated explosives, plunging the festive occasion into chaos and horror. This heinous Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of thirty innocent civilians and left 140 others injured. The sheer scale of the casualties made it the deadliest attack against Israelis throughout the entire Second Intifada, sending shockwaves across the nation and prompting immediate calls for a robust response.

Operation Defensive Shield: Israel's Response

The Netanya bombing served as a direct and immediate catalyst for a large-scale Israeli military operation. Just two days later, on March 29, 2002, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Defensive Shield (Hebrew: מִבְצָע חוֹמַת מָגֵן, Mivtza Homat Magen, literally "Operation Shield Wall"). The stated goal of this comprehensive military initiative was clear: to dismantle the infrastructure supporting terrorist attacks and bring an end to the violence. Notably, it marked the largest military operation conducted by Israel in the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War, underscoring its immense scale and strategic significance.

The Course of the Operation

The operation commenced with an incursion into Ramallah, leading to the immediate siege of Yasser Arafat in his Ramallah compound. This initial thrust was swiftly followed by coordinated incursions into the six largest cities in the West Bank, along with their surrounding localities. On April 1, Israel Defense Forces entered Tulkarm and Qalqilya. Bethlehem was next on April 2, followed by intensive operations in Jenin and Nablus on April 3. For nearly three weeks, from April 3 to April 21, the conflict was characterized by strict curfews imposed on civilian populations, severely restricting daily life and movement. Additionally, international personnel, including humanitarian and medical aid workers, human rights monitors, and journalists, faced significant restrictions, with entry often prohibited. This challenging environment highlighted the complexities and human impact of military operations in densely populated areas.

Aftermath and Assessment

By May 2002, the bulk of the Israeli troops had withdrawn from the Palestinian cities, yet a strong military presence remained. IDF cordons were maintained around West Bank towns and villages, and targeted raids into Palestinian areas continued. A United Nations report on Operation Defensive Shield later offered a critical assessment, stating that "Combatants on both sides conducted themselves in ways that, at times, placed civilians in harm's way. Much of the fighting during Operation 'Defensive Shield' occurred in areas heavily populated by civilians and in many cases heavy weaponry was used." This reflection underscored the tragic reality that in urban warfare, the line between combatant and civilian is often blurred, leading to profound suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Passover Massacre and Operation Defensive Shield

What was the Passover massacre?

The Passover massacre was a devastating suicide bombing carried out by Hamas at the Park Hotel in Netanya, Israel, on March 27, 2002, during a Passover Seder. It resulted in the deaths of 30 civilians and injured 140 others.

When did Operation Defensive Shield take place?

Operation Defensive Shield began on March 29, 2002, two days after the Passover massacre, and largely concluded by May 2002, though the IDF maintained a presence in the West Bank.

What was the main goal of Operation Defensive Shield?

The stated goal of Operation Defensive Shield was to stop terrorist attacks and dismantle the infrastructure that supported them, directly responding to the heightened violence of the Second Intifada, particularly the Passover massacre.

Who led the Israeli forces during Operation Defensive Shield?

Operation Defensive Shield was a large-scale military operation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Which areas were targeted during Operation Defensive Shield?

The operation involved incursions into the six largest cities in the West Bank and their surrounding localities, including Ramallah (where Yasser Arafat was besieged), Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Nablus.

How significant was Operation Defensive Shield?

It was the largest Israeli military operation in the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War, highlighting its extensive scope and strategic importance in the context of the Second Intifada.