Israeli forces killed a top Hamas operative in an early morning gunfight in the southern Occupied West Bank city of Hebron, according to Palestinian security officials who said another three people were arrested in the raid. Hamas' armed wing vowed to take revenge for the killing of Shihab al-Natshe, who Israeli media reported was behind a suicide bombing in February that killed an Israeli woman and wounded 11 other people.The Israeli military confirmed killing an armed Palestinian in an exchange of fire in Hebron but would not elaborate on the incident.
In Sunday's operation in Hebron, Israeli soldiers fired at the house of Natshe, 25, after he refused to surrender and shot at troops, local residents said. An army bulldozer later razed the dwelling. The militant's mangled body was seen being removed from the rubble.
Hamas' armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade, vowed to avenge the resistance fighter's killing. "Our response will be swift and painful," it said in a statement. The statement, which said Natshe was a group member who fought troops for 12 hours before he was killed, added that retaliation would take place "at the time and place we choose."