Israel's military has reported that it has killed three Hamas members, including a commander, as its offensive in the occupied West Bank continues into its third day.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that it had killed Wissam Khazem, identified as the Hamas leader in Jenin, during an exchange of gunfire after he was spotted in a vehicle in the area. The military discovered weapons and money in the vehicle.
Two other individuals, Maysara Masharqa and Arafat Amer, were also killed as they attempted to flee the vehicle. The IDF confirmed that both men were associated with Hamas and had participated in shooting attacks against Israeli communities under Khazem's command.
A network of Palestinian armed groups acknowledged the deaths in a statement, highlighting Masharqa as one of its key field commanders in Jenin. Khazem was identified as a member of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing.
According to the Palestinian ministry of health and Palestinian groups, a total of 19 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military operation in the West Bank, which has targeted cities like Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarem. Of the casualties, 11 were identified as Palestinian militants.
