Israeli-Palestinian Tensions Escalate in the West Bank

An Israeli was killed and another wounded by Palestinian gunmen in the West Bank. Hamas claimed responsibility, stating the attack was retaliation for Israel's strike in Gaza that killed at least 90 people. The conflict has escalated with increased military raids and street attacks.

An Israeli was killed and another wounded on Sunday by Palestinian gunmen who opened fire on a main road in the occupied West Bank, Israel's ambulance service and military said, with the armed wing of militant faction Hamas claiming responsibility.

The Israeli military stated they are actively pursuing the suspected assailants, blocking routes and conducting searches. Later in the day, Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades said its West Bank-based fighters killed an Israeli soldier near the settlement of Mehola in the Jordan Valley and have returned to their bases safely.

Hamas claimed the operation was in retaliation for Israel's strike on a Gaza City school sheltering displaced Palestinians, which reportedly killed at least 90 people. The Israeli military said it targeted a militant command post, resulting in the death of 19 militants. However, Hamas and Islamic Jihad groups rejected this report.

Violence in the West Bank has escalated, with intensified Israeli military raids, settler violence, and Palestinian street attacks, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)