Hamas leader killed in Israeli joint operation in West Bank

Wassem Hazem, the leader of Hamas operating in the Jenin area in the West Bank, was killed during a joint anti-terrorist operation by the Israeli Defense Forces, ISA, and the Israeli Border Police. Hazem was the head of Hamas in Jenin and was involved in shootings and bombings on Palestinian territory.

Wassem Hazem, one of the most important figures in Hamas, was killed in a car which, according to the media, was transporting weapons, ammunition, and large amounts of cash.

Additionally, two other members of Hamas were killed by a drone while attempting to flee the vehicle.

As Reuters notes, Wassem Hazem was the head of Hamas in Jenin and took part in shootings and bombings on Palestinian territory.

Residents claim that in the village of Zababdeh, near Jenin, a bullet-ridden, burnt-out car was found against a wall as the driver crashed the vehicle while being chased by an Israeli special unit.

As witnesses to the incident add, Israeli forces removed the bodies, but large pools of blood were on the ground. The incident occurred as Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation involving hundreds of soldiers and police, which began on Wednesday in Jenin and Tulkarm.

Recently, Britain stated it was "deeply concerned" about the ongoing Israeli operation in the occupied West Bank, warning that the risk of instability is serious and that there is an urgent need for de-escalation.

Israel claims that airstrikes in the northern West Bank, which have taken place over the last few days and have killed at least 19 people, are aimed at preventing further attacks from Hamas.

However, Palestinians view them as an extension of the Gaza war and an attempt to perpetuate decades-long Israeli military rule over this territory.