Palestinian killed in West Bank clash laid to rest as violence surges
A Palestinian man killed in a West Bank confrontation with settlers and soldiers was buried in Hajja amid rising violence.
Hundreds of mourners gathered in the West Bank village of Hajja to bury Omar al-Toubasi, a young Palestinian man killed during a confrontation that residents blame on Israeli settlers and military forces.
Witnesses said the violence began when settlers entered a dead-end alley on an ATV, attacked a local man and his family, and opened fire. Mohammed al-Batta, a resident and eyewitness, said the army's arrival escalated the situation rather than calming it.
"The army came and made matters worse," al-Batta said. "Instead of trying to resolve the issue, the army became part of the problem." He described soldiers firing tear gas and sound bombs at residents, with gunfire breaking out from both sides.
The Israeli military said troops were sent to disperse the confrontation and fired toward Palestinians throwing stones after warning shots, adding that "hits were identified."
Funeral processions carried al-Toubasi's body wrapped in a Palestinian flag through the streets, with chants including "With our souls, with our blood, we will sacrifice for the martyr."
Violence across the occupied West Bank has intensified in recent months, with settler attacks on Palestinian villages and frequent army operations reported throughout the territory.