Escalating Conflict: Israeli Troops Kill Islamic Jihad Commander in West Bank

Israeli troops killed Muhammad Jabber, a local commander of the Islamic Jihad movement, and four other militants in the West Bank. Escalating clashes have intensified since Israel's war with Hamas began nearly 11 months ago. The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties and displacement in the region.

Israeli troops killed Muhammad Jabber, a local commander of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad movement in the West Bank, along with four other militants, during a gunbattle on Thursday. The assault, one of the largest in months, took place in Tulkarm and involved a 'significant exchange of fire' around a mosque.

The Tulkarm division of Islamic Jihad's armed wing confirmed Jabber's death, increasing the Palestinian death toll in the last two days to 17. Israeli forces, supported by helicopters, drones, and armored personnel carriers, raided Tulkarm, Jenin, and areas in the Jordan Valley. The United Nations called for an immediate halt to large-scale military operations.

Telecommunication networks were disrupted, and access to Jenin's main hospital was blocked. Israeli officials stated that the operations aimed to prevent Iranian-backed terror. Tensions have been high since Israel's conflict with Hamas escalated 11 months ago, with over 660 people already killed. Amnesty International has raised concerns about the intensifying conflict leading to increased displacement and destruction.

(With inputs from agencies.)