18 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Tulkarem, Including Hamas Leader
Late Thursday, an Israeli fighter jet conducted a rare airstrike in Tulkarem, targeting Hamas commander Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, according to a joint statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet. The Palestinian Authority’s health ministry reported at least 18 deaths, marking one of the deadliest airstrikes in the West Bank in recent years.
The military stated that Oufi, who had been planning a terror attack “in the immediate time frame,” was killed along with several other Hamas operatives. The IDF detailed Oufi’s involvement in orchestrating a failed car bombing near the settlement of Ateret last month and his provision of weapons to other terrorists responsible for recent attacks on Israeli civilians.
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Oufi was said to have established networks for Hamas in the area, working to facilitate significant shooting and explosive attacks. The IDF justified the airstrike by saying he posed an imminent threat.
While the IDF has carried out numerous airstrikes in the West Bank, this strike was notable for involving a fighter jet, which is less common than the typical use of drones or helicopters.
The airstrike also wounded numerous others, with Palestinian officials calling it the deadliest attack in the West Bank since 2000. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the strike, referring to it as a “massacre,” while Hamas warned that it would escalate tensions further. Fatah called for demonstrations to honor the “heroic martyrs” of Tulkarem.
