 and was aimed at neutralizing militants operating in the region){kind=link}
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
TUBAS, WEST BANK – The Israel Air Force (IAF) struck an armed terrorist cell in the West Bank city of Tubas on Wednesday evening, as part of an ongoing military operation in the area, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced.
According to the IDF, the strike was based on intelligence provided by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and was aimed at neutralizing militants operating in the region. The extent of the damage and the identities of those killed have yet to be fully confirmed by Israeli authorities.
Following the attack, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that at least ten Palestinians were killed in the Tubas area. The Red Crescent initially stated that three people had been killed but later updated its report, acknowledging multiple casualties and a significant number of wounded individuals.
The IDF has been conducting intensified counterterrorism operations across the West Bank in response to a surge in militant activity. Tubas, located in the northern part of the territory, has seen frequent clashes between Israeli forces and armed groups over the past months.
Demolition of Terrorist’s Home in Separate Operation
In a separate counterterrorism operation, Israeli forces demolished the home of the terrorist responsible for the killing of Stf.-Sgt. (res.) Elchanan Ariel Klein and the wounding of four Border Police officers. The attack occurred on November 2, 2023, and was carried out by a terrorist cell.
The home demolition was executed on Tuesday night as part of a joint operation by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police. Israeli authorities have long implemented home demolitions as a deterrent against terrorist attacks, a policy that has been the subject of international debate and criticism.
Ongoing IDF Operations in the West Bank
The latest military actions come amid heightened tensions in the region. The IDF has ramped up operations targeting armed groups in the West Bank, following an increase in attacks on Israeli forces and civilians.
Israeli officials argue that these operations are essential to preventing further violence and dismantling terror networks before they can carry out attacks.
However, Palestinian officials and humanitarian organizations have condemned the military actions, citing rising civilian casualties and growing humanitarian concerns in affected areas. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a sharp rise in fatalities due to Israeli military operations in recent months.
Meanwhile, the Red Crescent has called for immediate medical assistance in Tubas, as reports indicate that several wounded individuals are in critical condition. Local sources claim that the airstrike caused widespread damage to nearby structures, though the full extent of the destruction is still being assessed.
With tensions in the West Bank escalating, both Israeli and Palestinian authorities remain on high alert. The IDF has reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism efforts, while Palestinian leaders have called for international intervention to halt what they describe as collective punishment of their population.
As the situation develops, security forces are expected to continue their operations, with further clashes likely in the coming days.