IDF hits terrorists near Tulkarem – five dead in airstrike

On Saturday morning, the IDF conducted a targeted airstrike on a vehicle carrying a terror cell in Nur Shams, near Tulkarem.

Reports from Arab sources confirm that the strike resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including a senior Hamas operative and a leader of the Islamic Jihad group based in Nur Shams. According to security officials, the cell was preparing for an imminent large-scale attack and included a key Hamas operative from Tulkarem.

An IDF spokesperson stated, "Earlier today, the IAF, guided by ISA intelligence, struck a vehicle in the vicinity of Qaffin, targeting five terrorists en route to execute a terror operation."

The statement continued, "The IDF, ISA, and Israel Police are actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the Tulkarem area." Arab media later released photos purportedly showing the deceased terrorists, along with their written declarations.

The IDF confirmed, "The aerial strike successfully neutralized a terrorist cell as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the Tulkarem region."

* Arutz 7 contributed to this article