IAF strikes terror cell in West Bank counter-terrorism operation

The larger counterterrorism operation was conducted by IDF, Israel Security Authority, and Israel Prison Service forces.

 The damage caused from an Israeli military raid in the Tubas, in the northern West Bank, August 14, 2024 (photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
The damage caused from an Israeli military raid in the Tubas, in the northern West Bank, August 14, 2024
(photo credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

An Israel Air Force aircraft struck an armed terrorist cell in the West Bank area of Tubas early on Wednesday morning as part of a counterterrorism activity, the Israeli military announced shortly afterward.

The IDF added that the strike was part of a counterterrorism operation in the area of Tubas and Tamun, located in northern Samaria.  

The operation has been led by the IDF, Israel Security Authority, and the Israel Prison Service forces.

Shortly after the IDF's announcement of the operation, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that five people were killed in the strike.

Additionally, the operation in the area came on the same night that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin demanded an overhaul of Israeli military conduct in the West Bank as they decried the fatal shooting of an American protester against settlement expansion, which Israel said was accidental.

 American-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. (credit: SOCIAL MEDIA)
American-Turkish activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. (credit: SOCIAL MEDIA)

Israel voices deep regret 

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, who is also a Turkish national, was shot dead last Friday at a protest march in Beita, a village near Nablus where Palestinians have been repeatedly attacked by far-right Jewish settlers.

Israel's military said on Tuesday that its initial inquiry found it was highly likely its troops had fired the shot that killed her but that her death was unintentional, and it voiced deep regret.

Reuters contributed to this report.