Jerusalem, 27 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) – The Israeli military on Saturday said its forces have killed a senior Hamas commander in the West Bank.

In a joint statement with the Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency and Israeli police, the military reported it targeted Islam Jamil Odeh in Tulkarm, in the north-west of the West Bank.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah also confirmed the death of the 29-year-old.

Odeh was identified by both Hamas and the Israeli authorities as the leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamist organization, in Tulkarm.

The Israeli military said he had planned attacks in the near future.

It said Odeh had opened fire on an Israeli military unit as it surrounded him on Saturday morning in the city, which is directly on the border to Israel. Israeli troops then reportedly returned fire, killing Odeh.

Odeh's predecessor was also killed by Israeli forces at the beginning of October.

Tensions have risen in the West Bank since the attacks mounted by Hamas from the Gaza Strip against Israel on October 7 last year.

The Palestinian Health Ministry has reported that 727 Palestinians have since been killed in Israeli military operations, armed conflict and attacks by extremists.

Demonstration for hostage deal

Several hundred people demonstrated in Israel on Saturday for an agreement to release the hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Demonstrators in Tel Aviv slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for delaying indirect negotiations to end the conflict with Hamas and return the remaining hostages, who were captured in the October 7 attacks more than one year ago.

On Sunday, Israeli representatives will meet in Doha with mediators from Qatar and the United States, in the first negotiations to be held in several weeks.

Since the previous round of talks failed, Israel has expanded its attacks on the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and killed Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar.

Around 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas, but it is unclear how many remain alive.

Reports: At least 30 killed in strike in northern Gaza

At least 30 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza, local media said late on Saturday.

The strike reportedly targeted five houses in a residential area of Beit Lahia in the north of the coastal strip, where an unknown number of people are feared trapped under rubble.

Ongoing fighting has prevented civil protection and emergency services from reaching the site, according to local media.

The information could not be independently confirmed.

For three weeks, Israel's military has intensified operations in northern Gaza, aiming to target Hamas fighters.

Palestinian sources report that hundreds of civilians have also died, and tens of thousands have fled the area.

Photo: Mia archive