Israeli Commandos Eliminate Three Militants
Israel West Bank Hospital Operation three militants killed in a hospital in Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday. One of the deceased was accused of planning an imminent attack. Hamas claimed one dead as its member, while Islamic Jihad claimed the other two, stating they were brothers. The hospital mentioned that one of the brothers was undergoing treatment for a leg injury causing paralysis. Israel’s border police attributed the killings to an operation by their undercover unit.
CCTV Footage:
CCTV footage online showed around a dozen undercover troops, some disguised as women and medical staff, in a hospital corridor with rifles. Israel’s police minister reposted the clip. One identified man, Mohammed Jalamneh, 27, from Jenin, had contacts with Hamas abroad and was planning an attack inspired by the October 7th raid, according to the military. The other two killed had been involved in recent attacks. Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals for hiding and rejects such claims. Hamas denies using civilians as shields and criticizes Israel’s military actions. Gaza has an extensive tunnel network, some hidden in destroyed buildings or sandy dunes.
Air Strikes on Gaza City
Israel launched an assault on Gaza City, conducting air strikes that resulted in casualties. Tanks shelled eastern areas, and naval vessels fired at beachfront areas. Hamas responded with rocket fire into Israeli cities, proving its continued capability. The Gaza health ministry reported 215 Palestinians killed and 300 wounded in the past 24 hours.
While Israel initially focused on northern Gaza, recent operations shifted to the south. However, the renewed push in Gaza City, with reported gun battles near Al-Shifa Hospital, indicates challenges in executing the war plan.
Hamas militants crossed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. The Gaza health ministry stated that, since then, 26,637 Palestinians have been killed, with at least 65,000 wounded. Israel reports around 9,000 Palestinian combatants killed and 221 Israeli soldiers dead. Hamas insists Israel must cease the Gaza offensive and withdraw for further hostage releases, while Israel vows to continue until Hamas is eradicated.
Deadly Strike On US Forces:
The United States pledged to defend its forces with “all necessary actions” following a drone attack that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan on Sunday. Qatar expressed hope that U.S. retaliation would not harm regional security or impede progress toward a new Gaza hostage-release deal. The attack, attributed to Iran-backed militants, marked the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war in October, escalating tensions in the Middle East. White House National Security spokesman John Kirby stated the U.S. does not seek a broader conflict with Iran but will take necessary actions. Iran denies involvement, and while Biden has ordered retaliatory attacks on Iran-backed groups, direct hits on Iran have not occurred.
