Israeli Forces Kill Senior Hamas Operative in Airstrike on Jenin Terror Cell

Israeli military and Shin Bet confirmed an airstrike on Friday targeting militants in Jenin, West Bank, resulting in the death of three terrorists, including senior Hamas operative Qais Bitawi. Bitawi, a key figure in Hamas's terror network in Jenin, was involved in orchestrating multiple attacks against Israeli forces and civilians. He played a role in the July 2024 bomb attack near the Gilboa crossing that injured two Defense Ministry employees. Bitawi also led a terror cell from the village of Kabatia and was a central wanted figure for Israeli security forces, who had attempted to arrest him several times.

The strike occurred as the militants exited their vehicles outside a building, prompting an aerial attack based on intelligence indicating they were armed. Israeli troops later seized M16 rifles found near the site. Bitawi was related to Noor Bitawi, the head of the Islamic Jihad terror group in Jenin, who was killed by Israeli forces in May 2025 in Nablus. This operation follows previous Israeli efforts to dismantle terror cells in Jenin, including Operation Iron Wall in January 2025 and other counterterrorism actions over the past year.

The Israeli military continues to target terror infrastructure in the West Bank to prevent attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers. The elimination of Bitawi and his associates marks a significant blow to Hamas's operational capabilities in the region.