Three Palestinians Killed in Israeli Drone Strike in Jenin

An Israeli drone strike in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Friday resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ministry reported that the Public Authority for Civil Affairs, the official Palestinian liaison with Israel, confirmed the fatalities after the three individuals were targeted by a drone. Israeli forces subsequently took custody of their bodies.

The victims were identified as 22-year-old Qais Bitawi, 26-year-old Basel Turkman, and 22-year-old Moamen Jaradat. The strike, which hit a partially constructed home in the Harsh al-Saada area of western Jenin, marked the first aerial attack on the city in approximately 10 months. Initial reports suggested a vehicle was targeted, but it was later clarified that the strike hit the unfinished house.

Following the strike, Palestinian Red Crescent ambulances converged on the scene. However, the Israeli army detained the ambulance crew, preventing them from accessing the site or transporting the casualties. The Red Crescent stated that their members were later released after being asked to leave the area without being allowed to assist the wounded or deceased.

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The Israeli army is holding our ambulance crew after it arrived at the targeted house.

The Israeli army issued a statement claiming its warplanes "precisely struck" several individuals, later specifying that three people, including Bitawi, whom they identified as a Hamas member, were "eliminated." The army did not name the other two victims.

The occupied West Bank has experienced a significant increase in Israeli military operations and settler attacks since October 2023. This escalation coincides with the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and increased restrictions on Palestinian movement. The strike occurred just 60 days before Israel's October 27 Knesset election, a period during which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to bolster support among right-wing voters. Israeli military operations in Jenin and its refugee camp have been ongoing since January 2025, causing displacement and damage.

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eliminated” three people, including Bitawi, claiming he was a Hamas member.