The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of Wissam Khazem, a leader of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, during ongoing operations in the occupied West Bank. Khazem, along with two other fighters, was reportedly killed in an overnight strike near Zababdeh, southeast of Jenin. According to a military statement, Israeli forces “encountered and eliminated” Khazem in a vehicle before targeting “two additional terrorists” as they attempted to flee.
The Palestinian health ministry has verified the deaths, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed since the start of the operation to at least 19. This military action, described as one of the largest in the West Bank in two decades, has prompted international concern. The UK Foreign Office expressed alarm on Friday, stating it was “deeply worried by the methods Israel has employed and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.” The statement also underscored the urgency of de-escalation, citing the risk of further instability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed these concerns, warning that the Israeli raids are “fuelling an already explosive situation.” The conflict in the West Bank has escalated sharply following Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza. Israeli forces have intensified their operations, citing the need to counter deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis both in the West Bank and within Israel.
In related developments, Palestinian media reported significant damage in Tulkarm, where Israeli forces have conducted operations in refugee camps, causing widespread destruction. Although Israeli forces have since withdrawn from Tulkarm and the al-Faraa refugee camp near Tubas, they claim to have successfully dismantled “terrorist infrastructure” in these areas.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community is closely monitoring developments, with increasing calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic intervention to prevent further loss of life.
