Two Israeli airstrikes in West Bank kill nine Palestinian militants as violence flares again

Israeli airstrikes kill Palestinian militants in West Bank amid Gaza war tensions, cease-fire talks, and regional escalation fears.

Two Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed nine Palestinian militants on August 3, Israel's Army said, as violence flared again in the Israeli-occupied territory with tensions high over the war in Gaza and a potential regional escalation.

“Cease-fire discussions on Gaza continued, with an Israel delegation led by the Mossad chief briefly visiting Cairo,” an Egyptian official said. The U.S. has urged Israel to seize the chance for a cease-fire after the shocking killing of Hamas’ political leader in Iran, which Tehran blames on Israel.

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Killing of Hamas leader and Israel's assassination of a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon have the region holding its breath for retaliation against Israel on either front, or both, after Iran and its proxies vowed to act. Hamas said its command had begun discussions on choosing a new leader.

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In the northern West Bank, the Israeli Army said its forces first struck a vehicle in a rural area outside the city of Tulkarem early Saturday, killing the five occupants. The Army said they were on their way to carry out an attack. Hamas identified all five as militants with the group, including a local commander.

According to an Associated Press journalist and witnesses, the blast took place along a road connecting the Palestinian villages of Zeita and Qaffin.