Israeli Forces Eliminate High-Profile Militants in West Bank Operation

The Israeli military has killed five militants, including a prominent local commander, in the West Bank. The military reported that Mohammed Jaber, a commander in the Islamic Jihad group, was killed alongside four others in a shootout inside a mosque. The operation was part of a larger Israeli effort in the region.

The Israeli military has announced the elimination of five militants in a significant operation in the occupied West Bank, one of whom was a well-known local commander.

No immediate confirmation came from Palestinian sources on the death of Mohammed Jaber, also known as Abu Shujaa, a prominent commander in the Islamic Jihad militant group based in the Nur Shams refugee camp. According to the military, Abu Shujaa was killed along with four other militants during a shootout with Israeli forces early Thursday after the militants had taken refuge inside a mosque.

The military claimed that Abu Shujaa was involved in numerous attacks on Israelis, including a fatal shooting in June, and was allegedly plotting further attacks. Despite being reported dead earlier this year, Abu Shujaa had made a surprise appearance at another militants' funeral, being carried by a cheering crowd.

During the same operation, another militant was captured in Tulkarem. Additionally, an Israel Border Police member sustained minor injuries. This large-scale operation, launched overnight into Wednesday, also resulted in 10 Hamas fighters being killed. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported an 11th casualty, though it was unclear if the individual was a combatant or a civilian.

Violence has escalated in the West Bank following an attack by Hamas on October 7 that triggered the ongoing conflict in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)