In a rare move, Israel has carried out an airstrike in the West Bank, targeting a mosque that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim was being used by militants. The IDF posted on X, formerly Twitter, stating that the strike was aimed at a Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorist compound located in the Al-Ansar Mosque in Jenin.

According to the IDF, recent intelligence revealed that the mosque served as a command center for planning and executing terrorist attacks against civilians. The airstrike specifically targeted an underground route beneath the mosque, which housed a Hamas "terrorist cell." The IDF believes this cell was responsible for a series of attacks in recent months and had plans for further attacks in the near future.

Although Israel has frequently carried out airstrikes in Gaza, it is uncommon for such operations to take place in the West Bank. Reuters has reported that at least one Palestinian was killed in the strike, with three others sustaining injuries.

Notably, Syrian state media also reported that Israeli airstrikes had targeted the international airports in Damascus and Aleppo on the same day. At least one person was reported dead in these attacks.

This airstrike coincides with the 16th day of Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas, a militant group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other countries. The conflict began when Hamas members infiltrated Israeli territory over two weeks ago. As per the Gaza Health Ministry, the violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 4,385 Palestinians, with another 13,561 people sustaining injuries. Meanwhile, over 1,400 Israelis have been killed, primarily during the initial wave of attacks on October 7th.

The loss of civilian lives on both sides of the conflict has sparked protests worldwide, with people demanding an immediate ceasefire. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its efforts to combat Hamas and bring stability to the region.