Hamas Commander Kidnapped in Gaza, Israel Shoots Dead Palestinian Resident in West Bank
A field commander from the military wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, was reportedly kidnapped by unidentified armed men in Gaza City on Sunday night (30/3) local time. The incident triggered a large-scale search operation by the group in the Palestinian enclave.
Sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat media stated that the commander affiliated with the Al-Qassam Brigades was abducted in the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood. Hamas fighters were then deployed to hunt down the perpetrators, who were suspected of fleeing in two vehicles. Gunfire was reported during the operation.
A Hamas source said the kidnapping was “likely carried out by Israeli special forces or armed groups cooperating with Israel”. However, there has been no independent confirmation of the claim.
The event occurred alongside an assassination attempt on a security figure linked to Hamas in another location in Gaza. The victim reportedly sustained minor injuries.
In recent weeks, the Gaza Strip has experienced several infiltration attempts by armed groups believed to be supported by Israel, which often spark clashes with Hamas fighters.
In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military shot dead a 22-year-old Palestinian resident, Ramzi Abdul Hakim Mohammad al-Awawdeh, during an Israeli force raid in the town of Kharsa, near Dura, southwest of Hebron.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health stated that the victim died from gunshot wounds. Local sources said Israeli forces opened fire near a town intersection and prevented medical teams from reaching the victim after confiscating the ambulance keys. The victim’s body was also reportedly detained by Israeli authorities.
Meanwhile, Hassan Mlihate, general supervisor of the Al-Baidar human rights organisation, said Israeli forces have begun installing iron gates near al-Safa school in Halhul, north of Hebron, which cuts off road access connecting several villages.
He also mentioned that a number of Israeli settlers have set up tents on land owned by Palestinians in the area between Jaba and Sanur, southeast of Jenin. This move has raised concerns about the establishment of a new settlement outpost.
The Israeli military also conducted raids in several West Bank areas until early Monday (30/3), detaining several Palestinians in operations described by locals as part of ongoing arrests and raids.