Tue Dec 03 20:44:08 UTC 2024: ## Israeli Airstrike Kills Three Hamas Members Near Tubas, West Bank
**TUBAS, WEST BANK –** An Israeli airstrike near the occupied West Bank city of Tubas killed three Hamas members on Tuesday, according to the Israeli military. The Palestinian health ministry initially reported two deaths and one injury.
The Israeli military stated that the air force targeted vehicles carrying three Hamas operatives planning an imminent attack in the Aqaba area near Tubas. Following the airstrike, Israeli soldiers conducted a search, discovering four weapons. Conflicting reports emerged regarding subsequent events at a local hospital.
The Palestinian health ministry alleged that Israeli forces besieged and raided the Turkish Hospital in Tubas, shooting inside, assaulting staff and patients, and making arrests. An AFP journalist witnessed Israeli armored vehicles surrounding the hospital and soldiers detaining staff, some in medical attire.
The Israeli military denied entering the hospital, stating that soldiers were deployed to collect the bodies of the slain militants and operated in the vicinity of the hospital but did not enter the building. They did not confirm nor deny the arrest of hospital staff. The Israeli military frequently seizes the bodies of Palestinians killed during operations, particularly those affiliated with militant groups.
The incident comes amid a surge in violence in the West Bank, which has escalated significantly since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. The Palestinian health ministry reports at least 787 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers in the West Bank since then, while Israeli officials cite at least 24 Israelis killed in Palestinian attacks during the same period. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.
First Piper 