ANI/TPS JENIN

Israel expanded its counter-terror operation in northern Samaria, conducting three overnight airstrikes and raids in the Palestinian village of Tamun.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported Sunday that one strike targeted a vehicle in Qabatiya carrying terrorists en route to an "imminent attack". Two were killed, including Abd al-Hadi Kamil, released from prison during a November 2023 ceasefire. Surveillance footage showed secondary explosions, indicating explosives on board. Two other airstrikes eliminated terror cells in Jenin. The IDF did not elaborate on their targets. Meanwhile, soldiers in Tamun seized weapons, including an M-16 rifle and cartridges.

On Saturday evening, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to Zakaria Zubeidi, a high-profile Palestinian terrorist released Thursday. "Zakaria Zubeidi, you were released in an agreement for Israeli hostages – one mistake and you'll meet old friends," Katz posted on X. "We will not accept support for terrorism."

Zubeidi, 49, led Fatah's Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades in Jenin during the Second Intifada. He ordered a 2002 attack on a Likud polling center in Beit Shean, killing six, and claimed responsibility for a 2004 Tel Aviv bombing that killed one and injured 30. He also carried out or attempted multiple shooting attacks on Israeli buses. Zubeidi was among 110 terrorists freed Thursday in exchange for hostages Gadi Moses, Arbel Yehud, and Agam Berger.

Dubbed "Operation Iron Wall," the Jenin raid, launched on January 21, follows the Palestinian Authority’s failed crackdown in the Jenin refugee camp. Raids have expanded to Tulkarem, with security forces arresting dozens of wanted terrorists, seizing weapons, and uncovering a bomb-making laboratory.