Hamas commander killed in West Bank clash with Israeli forces

Late Monday, a press statement released from Hamas said one of their commanders – Mohammed Jaber Abdo – was killed along with three other fighters in a village near Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority of the West is located. It also stated that Abdo spent 20 years in Israeli prisons.

Israeli army and police said in a joint statement on Monday that undercover forces tracked down a suspect wanted in an attack on a nearby Jewish settlement. ‘‘The man was hiding in a compound with three other suspects,’’ they stated, ‘‘and forces opened fire when they tried to run them over with a car and flee.’’

This comes after the UN Security Council on Monday approved a fire resolution endorsing a cease-fire plan aimed at ending the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The resolution was approved, with 14 of the 15 Security Council members voting in favour.

Hamas said it welcomed the adoption of the resolution and was ready to work with mediators in indirect negotiations with Israel to implement it. The group stressed it would continue its struggle against Israeli occupation and work on setting up a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state.

A senior Israeli diplomat did not directly mention the resolution, telling the council Israel’s position is unwavering: “We will continue until all of the hostages are returned and until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are dismantled.”

Over 530 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank since then, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Most were killed during violent protests or Israeli arrest raids, which often trigger gun battles.