In a targeted operation in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, Israeli forces eliminated senior Hamas operative Ahmad Fayez Al-Awfi, wanted for multiple shooting attacks against Israeli troops and settlements, and connected to the killing of two Palestinians suspected of spying for Israel.
The operation, conducted by undercover Border Police officers in collaboration with IDF troops, initially aimed to arrest Awfi. However, when Awfi barricaded himself inside, the Border Police were compelled to use a tactic known as “pressure cooker,” which involves escalating the intensity of gunfire against a building to compel suspects to emerge. This confrontation escalated into a fierce gun battle, resulting in Awfi’s death as well as that of a 19-year-old man identified as Atta Muhammad Amer who also engaged in the combat, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Although the mission was successful, it resulted in casualties among Israeli forces, with a Border Police officer being seriously wounded during the intense exchange of gunfire and explosives with Palestinian gunmen.
Since October 7, over 3,100 Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, including more than 1,350 individuals linked to Hamas, as Israel intensifies its efforts to dismantle terror infrastructures and enhance security.
Dramatic helmet-cam footage shows undercover Israeli police commandos battling and eliminating wanted Arab terrorists in Tulkarm this morning. pic.twitter.com/xLTt6Eb6vc
— Jewish Breaking News (@JBreakingNews) February 18, 2024
