The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that they killed five more militants in the West Bank, including a senior commander from a Hamas-allied group, during an ongoing military operation. The IDF began this large-scale operation on Wednesday, which has so far resulted in the deaths of 14 militants. The Islamic Jihad group confirmed that its commander, Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, was killed during a confrontation with Israeli soldiers in the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem.
Islamic Jihad and Hamas responded to Jaber’s killing with strong rhetoric, vowing continued resistance. Islamic Jihad stated that his death would strengthen the resolve of their people, while Hamas warned that such actions could provoke widespread anger and further unrest in the West Bank. Hamas also reported that 10 of its fighters had been killed in the ongoing Israeli raids across the West Bank.
IDF Operation in West Bank Results in Deaths of Five Militants, Including Senior Islamic Jihad Commander
The escalation of violence has led to significant casualties, with Palestinian health authorities reporting at least 12 deaths, including children, according to the United Nations. The recent surge in violence in the West Bank follows a broader pattern of conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, particularly after an attack by Hamas from Gaza, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to a devastating Israeli response in Gaza, resulting in over 40,000 deaths according to local health officials.
The ongoing conflict has raised fears among Palestinians that the level of destruction seen in Gaza could spread to the West Bank. The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the rising death toll, with over 630 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October, a stark increase from previous years. The violence has also affected Israelis, with at least 15 Israelis, including military personnel and settlers, killed by Palestinians in the West Bank during this period.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the loss of life and called for an immediate end to the Israeli military operations. He emphasized that the only way to end the violence is through a meaningful political process leading to a two-state solution, which he believes is the key to resolving the long-standing conflict.
