Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Mar 4: Israeli forces killed a senior Hamas leader in the northern West Bank city of Jenin during an overnight raid, the Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday.
According to a military spokesperson, the joint operation involved Border Police officers, army troops, and Shin Bet security agents as part of Israel's ongoing military campaign in the West Bank. The statement reported that Isser Saadi, identified as the head of Hamas' network in Jenin, was "eliminated following an exchange of fire." Another militant was also killed, and three others were apprehended during the raid.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reaffirmed the country's commitment to its military operations, stating that Israeli forces "will continue to combat terrorism and thwart it everywhere."
The Israeli military has been conducting a large-scale offensive in Jenin since January 21, gradually expanding its operations to other cities and refugee camps across the occupied West Bank. These operations have led to extensive destruction and numerous casualties.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized that Israel demands the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the removal of Hamas from power before advancing to the next stage of a ceasefire deal that took effect in January.
"We don’t have an agreement on phase two," Sa'ar stated during a press briefing. "We demand total demilitarization of Gaza, Hamas and Islamic Jihad out, and the return of our hostages. If Hamas agrees, we can implement the deal tomorrow."
Addressing Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza since Sunday, Sa'ar claimed Hamas was exploiting the aid for financial and military purposes, describing humanitarian supplies as "the number one budget income" for the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously defended the move, saying it was aimed at pressuring Hamas into accepting a new proposal for extending the initial phase of the ceasefire and hostage release deal, which was brokered by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
The ceasefire agreement, originally set for 42 days, expired on Saturday. Under its terms, both sides were expected to negotiate a second phase, where Hamas would release remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire. However, on Friday, Israel proposed extending the initial phase for another 42 days, covering the Muslim and Jewish holidays of Ramadan and Passover, which end on April 20. Hamas has since rejected the proposal, calling it "unacceptable."