Israeli Airstrike in Jenin Kills Three, Including Hamas Operative

An Israeli airstrike in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Friday killed three Palestinian men, according to the Israeli military and Palestinian health officials. The military identified one of the deceased as Qais Bitawi, describing him as a Hamas operative involved in "advancing significant terrorist activity." The other two men were labeled as accomplices.

The strike marks a notable use of airpower in the territory, where Israel has historically relied more on ground operations. In recent years, the army has conducted several large-scale raids in Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp, a focal point of militant activity.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed Bitawi's death along with two others. Hamas condemned the attack as a "heinous crime." The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that its paramedics were unable to access the strike site to evacuate casualties. A journalist near the scene witnessed military personnel removing bodies from the area.

The incident comes amid a sharp rise in violence across the West Bank. Palestinian officials report that at least 87 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and soldiers this year. During the same period, three Israelis have been killed by Palestinians.