Founder member of Palestinian Lions’ Den armed group killed
‘Upstart’ organisation accuses Israel of assassinating another of its commanders
One of the founding members of the militant Palestinian group Lions’ Den has been killed during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Nablus.
Wadee al-Houh was one of five Palestinians killed on Tuesday in what Reuters described as “one of the largest firefights in recent weeks”.
He was one of the founders and commanders of the Lions’ Den, “an armed group of young Palestinians that was formed last year out of frustration and disillusionment with the Palestinian leadership and its tight security ties with Israel”, said Al Jazeera.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Described as an “upstart organization” by The Times of Israel, the group has claimed “near-nightly attacks on Israeli troops and civilians”, said the paper, amid a crackdown in the West Bank.
Active within the Nablus area, mainly in its Old City and in the Balata refugee camp, Haaretz said the “declared goal” of the Lions’ Den is “to confront IDF [Israeli Defence Force] soldiers when they enter the city or come to protect worshippers at Joseph’s Tomb on the city’s outskirts”.
Unlike most other militant groups, however, “most are young, secular men between the ages of 18 and 24 who don’t attend mosques and aren’t influenced by religious figures”, added the paper.
The killing of al-Houh “is yet another severe blow to the armed group”, said The Jerusalem Post after another of its commanders, Tamer al-Kilani, was killed in an explosion in Nablus over the weekend.
In a statement on its Telegram channel, Lions’ Den accused Israeli forces of orchestrating the assassination and promised a “painful response”. Israeli officials have so far not commented on whether its forces were involved in the explosion.
In response to the deaths of Lions’ Den commanders in recent days, Palestinian factions called for a general strike and a “day of rage” in Nablus and other parts of the West Bank on Tuesday.
The ruling Fatah faction said in a statement that the Palestinian people “will confront the aggression of the occupation defend their legitimate national and historical rights” and called for an escalation of “popular resistance” against Israel, holding it responsible for perpetrating “crimes” against the Palestinians.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Inside Siberia's 'megaslump' – and why it is getting bigger
Under The Radar The 'eerie sinkhole' is rapidly expanding and climate change is the reason why
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'Is the death penalty racist? Of course it is.'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - May 8, 2024
Cartoons Wednesday's cartoons - social media guilt, gag orders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran's attack on Israel backfire?
Today's Big Question The unprecedented targeting of Israel could be a 'godsend' for Netanyahu as the limits of Tehran's military power are exposed
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran risk all-out war with Israel?
Today's Big Question Tehran has not wanted to be directly involved in the Middle East conflict so far. But that could be about to change
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'Humanitarian islands': how will Israel's plan for Rafah civilians work?
Today's Big Question Designated zones in central Gaza to provide temporary housing, food and water for more than a million displaced Palestinians
By The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published