Israeli strikes in West Bank kill six, including militant leader’s son

Israeli strikes in the West Bank have resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including the son of a well-known militant. Israel identified the deceased as militants involved in attacks.

Over the past week, Israel has conducted large-scale operations to dismantle militant groups and avert attacks. Palestinians are concerned that the conflict in Gaza might escalate.

In Tubas, located in the northern West Bank, a strike overnight killed five people, including Mohammed Zubeidi, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported on Thursday. It did not specify if they were civilians or fighters.

Mohammed Zubeidi’s father, Zakaria Zubeidi, was a prominent militant leader during the second Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. Zakaria participated in a rare prison escape in 2021 but was recaptured shortly after. The military stated that Mohammed Zubeidi had engaged in attacks against Israeli forces and was with a militant cell when targeted.

Another fighter was killed in the Al-Faraa refugee camp after throwing a firebomb at Israeli troops. The military released a video showing the confrontation and claimed to have found roadside bombs in the camp, established during the 1948 Mideast war.

In Tel Aviv, hundreds marched silently, carrying 27 mock coffins to represent hostages captured on Oct. 7. These hostages’ bodies were recovered over nearly 11 months of fighting in Gaza. On Thursday night, the protesters moved through Tel Aviv’s main streets, ringing a bell as they carried the flag-draped coffins. The nation is grappling with news that six hostages were likely killed by Hamas just before Israeli troops discovered them.

Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat, one of the six hostages killed, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of abandoning them. Hostage families have criticised Netanyahu for allegedly blocking a deal, potentially sacrificing their loved ones. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have rallied, demanding a deal to ensure the hostages’ return.

In Beirut, senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately delaying cease-fire talks. Al-Hayya called on the U.S. and the international community to pressure Israel.

In a recorded speech, he reiterated Hamas’ demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, especially the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Netanyahu insisted on maintaining forces in the corridor to prevent weapons smuggling.

Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar, who are mediating the talks, opposed Israeli military presence on the border. Al-Hayya declared that Hamas would not accept any agreement legitimising Israeli presence or failing to secure Palestinian rights.

In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Palestinian health officials reported an Israeli strike on a tent camp that killed four men and injured two children. The strike early Thursday hit near the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed the casualties, and an Associated Press reporter saw the bodies.

The Israeli military claimed it targeted a command centre operated by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad militant group within a humanitarian zone. The nearly 11-month conflict has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many multiple times. Israel has ordered mass evacuations into humanitarian zones but occasionally strikes these areas.

Umm Mohammed Wadi, staying in a nearby tent, questioned the strike’s justification. Israel maintains it targets militants and avoids civilian casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 40,861 Palestinians killed and more than 94,000 injured since the conflict began.

The war began when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250. Approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with a third believed dead.