Israel Investigates soldiers Over Killing of Palestinian Men in West Bank
Nablus, West Bank - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched an inquiry into the deaths of two Palestinian men shot by soldiers in Nablus earlier this week, after video footage emerged appearing to show the men surrendering before being killed. The incident has sparked outrage among Palestinians and drawn condemnation from international observers.
The two men, identified as Abdul Rahman Jamal and Mohammad jamal, were killed during a raid in the Old City of Nablus on Tuesday. The IDF stated the men were suspected militants involved in recent attacks against Israeli settlers and soldiers. Though, widely circulated video footage shows the men with their hands raised, seemingly surrendering to Israeli forces, before being shot.
The IDF initially claimed its forces came under fire, necessitating a response. However, the video evidence has prompted a formal investigation by the Military Police’s investigative unit. “We are taking the allegations seriously and are committed to a thorough and clear investigation to determine the facts,” an IDF spokesperson saeid.
the incident occurs amidst a surge in violence in the West Bank. As the start of the year, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily raids in Palestinian cities, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of arrests. Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of using excessive force and operating with impunity. The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, is home to approximately 3 million Palestinians and 700,000 israeli settlers. The status of the territory remains a core issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians seeking it as part of a future independent state.
