TULKAREM, West Bank, August 29, 2024 — The Israeli military has announced the killing of five more militants, including a key local commander, in a series of raids across the West Bank, marking its deadliest operation in the region since the onset of the Gaza war.
Since late Tuesday, Israeli forces have conducted simultaneous raids across the northern West Bank, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals, almost all militants. Israel claims these operations are intended to thwart planned attacks. Conversely, Palestinians view these actions as an escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict and an effort to sustain Israel’s long-standing military control over the area.
Among those killed was Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, a prominent figure in the Islamic Jihad group. Earlier this year, Abu Shujaa was reported killed in an Israeli operation but reappeared at a militant funeral, becoming a symbol of resilience for many Palestinians. He was reportedly killed in a shootout with Israeli forces after taking refuge in a mosque. The Israeli military links him to several attacks on Israelis, including a deadly shooting in June, and alleges he was planning further assaults.
In the same operation, another militant was arrested, and a member of Israel’s Border Police sustained minor injuries. The recent large-scale raid, which commenced overnight into Wednesday, also resulted in the deaths of 10 Hamas fighters, with an additional death reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of the raids, urging Israel to adhere to international law and protect civilians. He warned that these developments are exacerbating tensions and undermining the Palestinian Authority.
The current death toll of 16 marks the most lethal Israeli operation in the West Bank since the conflict with Hamas began on October 7. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 650 deaths in the West Bank since the conflict’s start, with most casualties being militants killed in clashes, though civilians and protesters have also been affected. The violence has been compounded by a rise in Jewish settler aggression.
Israel’s actions are focused on refugee camps with historical significance dating back to the 1948 war, where many Palestinian militants are based. Hamas has called for an uprising in the West Bank, framing the raids as part of a broader strategy to extend the Gaza conflict.
The ongoing Gaza war erupted following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties and abductions. Israel’s response has been severe, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported killed and extensive displacement and destruction in Gaza.
Efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a cease-fire have so far failed, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintaining a stance for “total victory” over Hamas, while the militant group demands a comprehensive cease-fire and withdrawal.
