Israeli airstrike kills three Palestinians in Jenin

An Israeli airstrike killed three Palestinians, including a Hamas operative, in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Friday, marking a rare use of deadly air power in the occupied territory. The Israeli military identified the primary target as Qais Bitawi, stating he was involved in directing and funding attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces. Hamas confirmed Bitawi was a member and condemned the strike, while the allied Islamic Jihad group also claimed him as a member.

The strike targeted a vehicle in the Jenin area, according to military and medical sources. The Palestine Red Crescent ambulance service reported that Israeli ground troops raided the site afterward, briefly detained its medics, and prevented them from transporting the wounded or dead to a hospital. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on these allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation, describing it as a successful proactive action that thwarted an imminent attack. Defence Minister Israel Katz called the strike a result of Israel's offensive policy in the West Bank and stated that Israeli forces would remain in the Jenin refugee camp on a...