What’s it about
Two senior Hamas terrorists, Ahmed Abu Ara and Raafat Dawasi, were killed in an Israeli drone strike in the West Bank city of Jenin. The operation was a collaborative effort between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency.
Why it matters
This strategic strike continues Israel’s determined campaign against terrorism, specifically targeting those who pose active threats to Israeli citizens. The operation not only eliminated key figures in Hamas but also thwarted potential future terrorist activities planned by these operatives.
Key Points
The Incident
The IDF and Shin Bet issued a joint statement confirming the drone strike targeted the car of Ahmed Abu Ara and Raafat Dawasi as they drove through Jenin. Both were implicated in the recent lethal shooting attack in the Jordan Valley, which resulted in the death of 23-year-old Israeli, Yonatan Deutsch, and injured another civilian.
Background of the Operatives
Ahmed Abu Ara from Aqqaba and Raafat Dawasi from Silat al-Harithiya were well-known figures within Hamas. Abu Ara had been involved in multiple previous terror activities, including manufacturing explosive devices for the organization. Dawasi held a senior position in Hamas’s Jenin network. Hamas confirmed their roles, acknowledging Dawasi as a commander and Ara as a senior operative.
Additional Context
Hamas indicated the involvement of these individuals in several other attacks, including a bombing in Jenin on June 27 that killed an Israeli soldier and multiple bombing attempts on the West Bank security barrier on July 23.
Intelligence and Footage
A linked Palestinian terror suspect, Yassin Ghanem, revealed the location of these operatives to the security agencies, which led to their targeting. The military released video footage of the strike, which was widely shared online and highlighted the precision of the operation.
Ongoing Operations
Since October 7, the IDF has significantly ramped up airstrikes in the West Bank, conducting more than 60 operations utilizing drones, attack helicopters, and fighter jets. Concurrently, around 4,850 wanted Palestinians have been arrested, with over 1,960 of them linked to Hamas.
Response and Results
The intensified operations have resulted in significant disruptions to terror networks, though they have also led to other casualties and losses. The vast majority of the 630 Palestinians killed in this period were confirmed as combatants or attackers by the IDF. During the same timeframe, Israel has lost 26 citizens, including security personnel, to terrorist attacks, underlining the persistent threat faced by the nation.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.