Israel’s military operation in the occupied West Bank has intensified, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claiming a significant victory in killing Wassem Hazem, the Hamas commander in Jenin, along with two other Hamas members. The operation, which began on August 28, has resulted in at least 19 Palestinian deaths, including civilians and militants, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.The IDF reported that Hazem was traveling in a vehicle with two other Hamas members when they were targeted by an Israeli drone. The vehicle was found to contain weapons and explosives. Eyewitnesses described a drone strike that killed three people in a car, including two who tried to escape.The operation has drawn international condemnation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing ‘deep concern’ and calling for an ‘immediate end’ to the operation. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of ongoing military operations near hospitals and the ‘serious damage’ inflicted on infrastructure, cutting off electricity and telecommunications in some areas.The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting that at least 40,602 people have been killed since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, including 68 in the last 24 hours. The conflict has also resulted in widespread destruction and displacement, with the UN reporting at least 637 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since October 7.As the operation continues, concerns are growing about the potential for further escalation in the region. The UN Human Rights Council has criticized the ‘increasingly military response’ of Israeli security forces, stating that the operation violates international law and risks further escalation. The ongoing violence and its impact on civilians have raised serious questions about the long-term implications for regional stability and the prospects for peace.
Key points
- Israeli forces killed Wassem Hazem, the Hamas commander in Jenin, along with two other Hamas members.
- At least 19 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Israeli operation in the West Bank.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to the operation, expressing deep concern.
- The conflict has resulted in over 40,600 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of Palestinian deaths in the West Bank operation, with some sources citing 16 and others 19.
👾The exact circumstances of Wassem Hazem’s death vary slightly between reports, with some mentioning a drone strike and others a more general ‘Israeli strike’.
