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

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.

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.