Israeli Forces Eliminate Local Hamas Leader in Jenin
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Synopsis
On March 4, Israeli forces killed a local Hamas leader, Isser Saadi, in a military operation in Jenin, northern West Bank. This action is part of Israel's ongoing campaign against Hamas, which has expanded across various regions, causing significant destruction and fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli forces eliminated local Hamas leader Isser Saadi in Jenin.
- Operation included Border Police, army troops, and Shin Bet agents.
- Israeli military campaign has expanded to other cities in West Bank.
- Demands for Gaza's demilitarization and removal of Hamas are ongoing.
- Humanitarian aid blockade is aimed at pressuring Hamas for compliance.
Jerusalem, March 4 (NationPress) Israeli forces have reportedly taken out a local Hamas leader in Jenin, located in the northern West Bank, on Tuesday, as stated by the Israeli military.
A spokesman for the military disclosed that Border Police officers, along with army personnel and Shin Bet security agents, conducted a raid in Jenin overnight as part of Israel's ongoing military operations in the region.
The spokesperson revealed that "after an exchange of fire, the soldiers eliminated Isser Saadi, who was recognized as the chief of the Hamas network in Jenin."
In this operation, another militant was also killed alongside Saadi, while three others were detained, according to the information released by Xinhua news agency.
Separately, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces "will persist in fighting terrorism and thwarting it wherever it appears."
The Israeli military initiated a large-scale offensive in Jenin on January 21, which has since broadened to include other cities and refugee camps within the occupied West Bank, resulting in significant destruction and numerous fatalities.
Moreover, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized on Tuesday that the nation demands the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the end of Hamas' governance in order to proceed to the subsequent phase of the ceasefire agreement initiated in January.
"We have not reached an agreement on the second phase," Sa'ar mentioned during a press conference. "We are insisting on the complete demilitarization of Gaza, the removal of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and the return of our hostages."
He asserted that if Hamas complies with these requests, "we could enact the agreement by tomorrow."
Addressing Israel's recent move to obstruct humanitarian aid to Gaza since early Sunday, Sa'ar accused Hamas of misusing these supplies for its own benefit. He noted that humanitarian resources have become the "primary source of funding" for Hamas, aiding in the restoration of its military strength.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked on Sunday that the aid blockade is aimed at pressuring Hamas to accept a new proposal to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, which he mentioned was presented by US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The first 42-day stage of the three-part agreement between Hamas and Israel, which included increased humanitarian support, concluded on Saturday. Under the terms, both parties were expected to engage in discussions for a second phase, where Hamas would release a number of remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire.
However, on Friday, Israel proposed a new framework extending the first phase for an additional 42 days, lasting until after the Muslim and Jewish holidays of Ramadan and Passover, which conclude on April 20. Hamas declared on Saturday that the Israeli proposition is "unacceptable."
