RAMALLAH, West Bank. An Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank on Saturday resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including a Hamas commander and four Islamic Jihad fighters. According to militant groups’ media, the airstrikes targeted a vehicle carrying militants near Tulkarm, where one of the deceased was identified as a commander of the Hamas Tulkarm brigades. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad has claimed the other four fatalities as its fighters.
The Israeli military confirmed that the first airstrike aimed at a militant cell believed to be en route to execute an attack. A subsequent airstrike targeted another group of armed militants who had reportedly fired upon Israeli troops, described by the military as part of a counter-terrorism operation in Tulkarm. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that five men were killed in the initial strike, while WAFA news agency reported four additional deaths in the second strike. The identities of the victims were not immediately disclosed.
The violence in the West Bank has escalated in recent months, exacerbated by frequent Israeli raids and increasing anti-Israeli attacks by Palestinians. The West Bank remains a contested territory that Palestinians seek for their future state.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes on Saturday killed six individuals in Rafah and two others in Gaza City, according to Gaza health officials. The Gaza Health Ministry reported a total of 31 Palestinians killed across the enclave on the same day. The Israeli military stated that its operations targeted militants and Hamas infrastructure in Rafah and other areas of Gaza.
The ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which began following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 that resulted in 1,200 Israeli casualties and 250 abductions, has now claimed at least 39,550 Palestinian lives. An Israeli delegation was expected in Cairo over the weekend to discuss a potential hostage release and a ceasefire agreement. However, prospects for a breakthrough seem slim amid heightened regional tensions following recent assassinations.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the killing of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut have further intensified the conflict. Hamas and Iran have accused Israel of these assassinations, with both vowing retaliation. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has also pledged revenge. Israel has not confirmed or denied responsibility for the deaths.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
