Operation Defensive Shield was a significant Israeli military campaign launched in response to a terrorist attack during Passover, known as the Passover Massacre, that occurred two days earlier in a hotel in Netanya, resulting in the deaths of 30 Israelis. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, claimed the operation was essential to stem the wave of suicide bombings and violence attributed to Palestinian militants. The operation formally commenced on March 29, 2002, and involved substantial military resources, including thousands of troops, armored vehicles, and air support, marking the most significant military action in the West Bank since 1967.

As part of this operation, Israeli forces entered several Palestinian cities, including Jenin, Nablus, and Bethlehem. The aim was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and arrest key militant leaders. The operation was characterized by heavy fighting and resulted in considerable destruction, particularly in the Jenin refugee camp, which became emblematic of the violence and impact of the conflicts. Humanitarian concerns arose amid claims of casualties among militants and civilians; the violence sparked widespread international criticism and led to protests both in the region and globally.

The operation lasted for several weeks, resulting in numerous fatalities on both sides and a broadening of the conflict beyond military engagements. The Israeli government maintained that the operation was a necessary response to ongoing security threats, while Palestinian authorities decried it as an act of aggression that exacerbated the humanitarian situation in the occupied territories. The conflict during and after the operation would heavily influence Israeli-Palestinian relations and future peace negotiations.