The Israeli ambulance service announced that a Palestinian gunman shot and killed an Israeli near a settlement in the West Bank on Thursday. This attack was claimed by the Hamas movement as a response to a two-day Israeli operation in Jenin.
The Israeli army stated that the assailant opened fire on troops who stopped to inspect his vehicle, which raised suspicion near the Kedumim settlement, adjacent to the city of Nablus. They added that the attacker fled the scene before being tracked down and "neutralized."
Hamas confirmed that the gunman belonged to their group and acknowledged his death. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, stated in a declaration, "This heroic operation comes as a swift response to the aggression of the occupation and its violations against our people in the Jenin camp." Hamas also issued a statement indicating that the attack serves as a message to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that "the Qassam has nearly knocked on your door."
In response, Smotrich tweeted that he is not afraid and will continue to work "to enable the Israeli Defense Forces to destroy you," referring to plans to expedite current efforts to establish a new neighborhood in the settlement following the attack.
The assault occurred after Israel conducted its largest military operation in years in Jenin, northern West Bank, earlier this week. The operation led to the destruction of roads, burning of vehicles, and ignited feelings of anger across the Arab world. The Israeli army stated that they targeted the infrastructure and weapons caches belonging to militants in the Jenin refugee camp.
At least 12 Palestinians were killed in the operation, along with one Israeli soldier. The operation began with drone strikes late at night, followed by an incursion involving over a thousand Israeli soldiers.
