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The IDF eliminated Qais Bitwani, a senior Hamas operative, in a West Bank airstrike on Friday.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet confirmed that an airstrike on Friday eliminated Qais Bitwani, a senior operative within the dismantled Jenin terrorist network. Bitwani, who was described as a Hamas operative by the military, was killed alongside two accomplices in a vehicle during a targeted strike in the West Bank. The strike followed an extensive intelligence effort by the Shin Bet and the Military Intelligence Directorate, which involved the interrogation of dozens of accomplices to locate Bitwani. Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the strike as a result of a proactive policy that has led to an 80% decrease in West Bank terrorist activity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated the military for the successful operation. While Hamas condemned the strike, Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed Bitwani as a senior operative of its armed wing. The strike occurred in a western area of Jenin City, targeting a house under construction where three Palestinians were allegedly killed by Israeli forces.

Sources