On Wednesday, the Israeli army stated that its forces destroyed what it called a "terrorist cell" during a precise airstrike in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, West Bank. The army mentioned in a statement that Abdullah Abu Shlal, whom it described as the infrastructure leader in the camp, was killed while planning to carry out a large and imminent operation with members of his cell.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that an unidentified charred body arrived at the Rafidiya government hospital in Nablus following an Israeli strike on a vehicle near the Balata camp. Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced the death of Abu Shlal "in a joint operation by the army and the Shabak." Adraee clarified that "a cell of operatives headed by Abdullah Abu Shlal was eliminated, and it was targeted near the Balata camp."
He added that the cell was responsible for "one of the largest terrorist networks" in the West Bank. Adraee mentioned that Abu Shlal "was responsible for several operations" that included shootings and planting explosives against Israeli army forces. He continued, stating: "The cell was targeted from the air due to intelligence received about the cell's intention to carry out an operation... After their elimination, weaponry was found inside their vehicle."
He noted that the cell received funding and guidance with the participation of leadership from Gaza and abroad. Abdullah, who led the group, was responsible for attacks carried out last year, including a shooting in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in Jerusalem last April that injured two Israelis. He was also responsible for a bombing attack against army forces that resulted in injuries to a soldier.
