Israeli Raids in West Bank Leave 16 Dead, Including Top Militant

In what has become the deadliest series of Israeli operations in the West Bank since the Gaza conflict began, the Israeli military reported the killing of five more militants, including a prominent local commander, on Thursday. The latest raids have resulted in a total of 16 deaths since late Tuesday, with nearly all the victims identified as militants.

The Israeli military claims these operations, primarily in northern West Bank cities such as Jenin and Tulkarem, are aimed at thwarting planned attacks. However, Palestinians view these actions as an escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, meant to tighten Israel’s grip on the territory it has occupied for decades. This escalation has prompted concerns from the United Nations and neighboring Jordan, and has drawn the attention of British and French leaders, who are calling for renewed cease-fire negotiations.

The Islamic Jihad militant group confirmed that Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, was killed in a raid in Tulkarem. Abu Shujaa had gained notoriety earlier this year when he reappeared at a funeral after being reported killed, becoming a symbol of resilience for many Palestinians.

According to the Israeli military, Abu Shujaa and four other militants were killed in a firefight after they sought refuge in a mosque. The military alleges that Abu Shujaa was involved in multiple attacks on Israelis, including a deadly shooting in June, and was planning further attacks.

The raids continued for several hours, with the Israeli military conducting searches and arrest operations in various militant strongholds. In the Fara’a refugee camp, Israeli forces targeted a group of militants traveling in a vehicle, though details on the number of casualties and their affiliations remain unclear.

In addition to the casualties, Israeli forces reported discovering weapon caches and explosive devices inside a mosque in Fara’a and arresting another militant in Tulkarem. A member of Israel’s Border Police was also lightly injured in Tulkarem.

The large-scale operation, which began late Tuesday, has drawn international condemnation. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the raids, urging Israel to adhere to international law and protect civilians. He warned that the ongoing violence is exacerbating an already volatile situation in the West Bank and weakening the Palestinian Authority.

Since the conflict with Hamas erupted on October 7, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports over 650 deaths in the West Bank, including militants and civilians. The recent raids have added to this toll, amidst rising violence from both Israeli forces and Jewish settlers.