- Israeli forces kill senior Hamas commander Wassem Hazem in West Bank
- UK expresses “deep concern” over Israel’s operation, urging de-escalation
- Israel claims raids aim to prevent attacks; Palestinians see escalation
It comes after many days of Israeli military attacks in the West Bank, which Palestinians regard as an escalation of the conflict in Gaza.
Israeli border police claim to have assassinated a senior Hamas commander in the West Bank.
The military claims Wassem Hazem was slain in a car containing weapons, ammunition, and substantial sums of cash.
A drone killed two other Hamas gunmen as they attempted to flee the car, according to the report.
Hamas had no immediate comment.
Residents in Zababdeh, near Jenin, reported seeing a burnt-out automobile with bullet holes against a wall. The driver had crashed after being pursued by an Israeli special forces unit.
It comes as the UK expresses “deep concern” over Israel’s ongoing operation in the occupied West Bank, warning of a significant risk of instability and the urgent need for de-escalation.
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Israel claims the raids in the northern West Bank over the previous three days, which have killed at least 19 persons, nearly all terrorists, are intended to prevent assaults.
However, Palestinians perceive them as an escalation of the conflict in Gaza and an attempt to maintain Israel’s decades-long military domination over the area.
The UK Foreign Office added: “The risk of instability is serious, and de-escalation is vital. We continue to urge Israeli authorities to display restraint, follow international law, and crack down on individuals who want to exacerbate tensions.
The United Kingdom strongly condemns settlement aggression and incitement, such as comments made by Israel’s National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, which endanger the status quo of Jerusalem’s Holy Sites.
