Israel Kills More Militants as West Bank Operation Steps up

Five militants, including a prominent local commander, have been killed by Israeli forces in what is considered a significant combat operation in the occupied West Bank, according to the Israeli military.
It said the operation targeted Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, a commander within the Islamic Jihad militant group, in the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarem.
There was no immediate confirmation from Palestinian sources regarding Jaber’s death
Jaber had previously gained attention earlier this year when he was mistakenly reported to have been killed during an Israeli raid—only to make an appearance at a funeral for others who had been killed.
Hamas said that 10 of its fighters were killed in various locations during these recent strikes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported an 11th death, though it was unclear whether the individual was a militant or a civilian.
Israel’s recent West Bank operations come in the wake of heightened violence following Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault from Gaza, which triggered the ongoing conflict.
U.N. Calls for Immediate Halt to West Bank Military Operations
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation of Israel’s military operations in the West Bank. He urged Israel to comply with international law and safeguard civilians, as reports emerged of casualties and damage to infrastructure caused by Israeli airstrikes. He also called for humanitarian access to provide aid and medical care to those affected.
U.S. Pushes for Ceasefire Progress in Gaza Negotiations
Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that progress has been made in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Speaking in Beijing, Sullivan said that the talks have advanced to detailed discussions, a positive sign amid ongoing efforts by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Israel to propose an updated ceasefire plan to Hamas.
However, significant hurdles remain, with both sides still disagreeing on key issues.
Despite U.S. optimism, Hamas has accused Washington of imposing unreasonable demands on it.
Ireland Criticizes Israeli Campaign as ‘War on Palestinians’
In Ireland, the country’s Foreign Minister, Micheál Martin, issued a strong rebuke of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, claiming that the campaign targets the Palestinian people rather than just Hamas.
Speaking at an EU foreign ministers’ meeting, he condemned the high civilian death toll and urged the European Union to reconsider its relationship with Israel.
The Minister cited a recent International Court of Justice ruling declaring Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank unlawful.
EU Diplomat Suggests Sanctions on Israeli Ministers
For its part, the European Union’s top diplomat suggested that the bloc consider sanctions against certain Israeli government ministers for their inflammatory remarks regarding the Gaza conflict.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, did not name specific ministers but has previously criticized statements by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who suggested that starving Gaza’s population might be justified.
U.N. Food Agency Halts Movement in Gaza After Bullet Strikes Vehicle
In Gaza, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) announced a halt in all movement within the Strip after one of its vehicles was struck by multiple bullets near an Israeli military checkpoint.
The armored vehicle, which had received clearance from Israeli authorities, was carrying humanitarian aid when it was targeted. The incident highlights the increasing risks for humanitarian workers in Gaza and the challenges in delivering lifesaving assistance to civilians.
Body of Israeli Soldier Recovered from Gaza
It comes as Israeli authorities announced they had recovered the body of a soldier abducted and killed by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attacks. The soldier’s remains were retrieved in a joint operation by the Israeli military and security services.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed the nation’s grief, describing the soldier’s death as a heroic sacrifice.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press