In a significant counterterrorism operation, Israeli forces have announced the death of Wassem Hazem, the leader of a Hamas cell in Jenin. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that Hazem was killed during a raid conducted in the northern Samaria region of the West Bank.

The operation, which involved the IDF, the Israel Security Agency (ISA), and the Israel Border Police, targeted a vehicle in which Hazem was traveling. Following precise intelligence from the ISA, Border Police forces successfully neutralized Hazem.

In related developments, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate a massive polio vaccination campaign. Starting Sunday, the pause will last for eight to nine hours daily over three days, aiming to immunize 640,000 children under 10 years old.

Meanwhile, the West Bank has seen intense activity, with at least 16 fatalities reported from recent Israeli counterterrorism raids in Jenin, Tulkarm, and the al-Fara'a refugee camp. Among the casualties was Mohammed Jaber, a local militant commander associated with numerous attacks, including one that resulted in the death of an Israeli man in June. Jaber's death was confirmed by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a militant group supported by Iran.

The Israeli military described Jaber’s death as a significant blow to terrorist operations in the region. His death occurred during a gun battle near a mosque, which unfortunately left local residents caught in the crossfire.

Israel Allows Humanitarian Pauses for Polio Vaccination Campaign in Gaza

Israel Launches Major Military Operation in West Bank, Killing At Least 10 Hamas Militants

Israeli Military Operation Targets Jenin and Surrounding Areas, Killing 9 Palestinians