Israel Kills a Top Militant in Its Deadliest West Bank Raids Since the Gaza War Began

TOPSHOT – Israeli soldiers operate during a raid in the Nur Shams camp for Palestinian refugees near the city of Tulkarem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on August 28, 2024. At least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli raids and strikes in several towns in the north of the occupied West Bank, a spokesman for the Red Crescent said on August 28. The operation comes two days after Israel said it carried out an air strike on the West Bank that the Palestinian Authority reported killed five people. (Photo by JAAFAR ASHTIYEH / AFP) (Photo by JAAFAR ASHTIYEH/AFP via Getty Images)

TULKAREM, West Bank (AP) — The Israeli military says it has killed five more militants, including a local commander, in the occupied West Bank. The army has pressed ahead with what appears to be the deadliest military operation in the occupied territory since the start of the war in Gaza. Israel says the raids are aimed at preventing attacks. The raids have killed a total of 16 people, nearly all militants, since late Tuesday. The Palestinians see them as a widening of the war in Gaza aimed at perpetuating Israel’s decades-long military rule. The Islamic Jihad militant group confirmed that Mohammed Jaber, known as Abu Shujaa, was killed early Thursday.