Palestinian Teenager Killed in Settler Shooting Near Hebron

A 17-year-old Palestinian was killed and another man wounded by Israeli settler gunfire in the occupied West Bank on Friday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The incident occurred in Sa'ir, north of Hebron, following an exchange involving rock-throwing.

The teenager was identified as Karim Sanad Raja Shalaldeh. Speaking from a hospital, his father said his son was shot in the chest while standing at the entrance of their home. He alleged that around fifty settlers attacked the houses and that his son was killed "in cold blood." The father also claimed the shooter was part of a security unit established by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to protect settlers.

The Israeli military stated that soldiers were dispatched to Sa'ir after Palestinians threw rocks at Israeli civilians who were in the area without prior authorization. The military said some Israelis were injured and that a security official opened fire. Police and soldiers are collecting evidence and testimony as part of an ongoing investigation.

In a separate incident, the Palestinian General Authority for Civil Affairs informed the Health Ministry that 58-year-old Fathi Khazem was fatally shot by Israeli forces early Friday in Jenin. An Israeli army official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Khazem attempted to stab an Israeli soldier during an overnight operation. No Israeli soldiers were injured. The official added that Khazem was the father of Raed Khazem, who carried out a shooting attack in Tel Aviv in April 2022.

Violence has escalated across the West Bank, where Palestinian officials report at least 87 Palestinians have been killed in nearly 1,500 attacks by Israeli settlers and soldiers this year.