Hamas Commander Killed in Jenin Airstrike - Latest Updates

Israeli security forces killed a senior Hamas operative in the West Bank on Thursday morning in a precision airstrike on Jenin refugee camp. Qais Bitawi, identified as the head of Hamas operations in Jenin, was eliminated along with two other militants in a joint operation conducted by the Shin Bet internal security service, military intelligence, and the Israel Defense Forces' Menashe Brigade.

According to Israeli security officials, Bitawi was actively involved in directing, financing, and executing attacks against Israeli civilians and security personnel. The airstrike, carried out by the Israeli Air Force, targeted a vehicle in which weapons were found. The operation was based on intelligence gathered by the Shin Bet and military intelligence.

Intelligence investigations revealed that Bitawi maintained extensive operational contacts with senior Hamas figures in the Gaza Strip and abroad. He was also responsible for terror infrastructure in Jenin refugee camp that had been dismantled during Operation Iron Wall, according to security sources.

Bitawi is a relative of Nour Bitawi, a commander of militant groups in Jenin who was killed by Israeli forces in May 2025. Security officials described Qais Bitawi as posing a direct threat to residents of the West Bank and Israeli security forces operating in the area. The operation demonstrated Israeli security forces' capability to act with precision against senior militant commanders, officials said.

Eliminating a terrorist (Video: IDF Spokesperson)

The strike is part of a series of targeted operations the IDF has conducted in recent days against senior terrorists in both the West Bank and Gaza

Israeli security officials emphasized that operations against terrorist infrastructure will continue without compromise to prevent attacks and protect Israeli residents in the West Bank. Security sources stated that anyone responsible for Israeli casualties will be targeted by Israeli forces.