Tensions escalated once again in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday as a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was fatally shot by Israeli forces, according to Palestinian health officials. The incident occurred in the town of Al Yamoun, near Jenin, where locals reported intense gunfire during an Israeli military operation.
Palestinian authorities identified the deceased as Rayan Tamer Hawshiya, confirming he was shot in the neck during the raid. The Israeli military, in a statement, claimed that soldiers were responding to threats from individuals who allegedly hurled explosive devices. The army reported that it engaged targets after identifying “suspected militants” advancing with additional explosives.
Civilian Casualties and Widespread Violence
In a separate development, a 66-year-old Palestinian woman, Zahia Joudeh al-Obeidi, died from a gunshot wound to the head after Israeli police conducted a raid in the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation, according to police, who said she was pronounced dead after arriving at a nearby checkpoint.
The fatalities come in the wake of a violent wave of settler attacks in the town of Kafr Malik. Reports indicate that Israeli settlers torched Palestinian homes and vehicles, prompting condemnation from both Palestinian officials and Israeli opposition members. While precise details remain unclear, Palestinian sources say settlers fired at local residents, while Israeli authorities claim there was an exchange of fire between armed Palestinians and Israeli security personnel.
At least three Palestinians were confirmed dead and multiple others injured. The Israeli army has acknowledged “several casualties” without disclosing the identities or affiliations of the victims.
Displacement, Demolitions, and Human Rights Concerns
The violence is part of a broader pattern of increased military operations across the West Bank. These actions have resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians and the demolition of entire communities, which Israel defends as part of its strategy to eliminate militant threats.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant previously compared the security threat in the West Bank to that in Gaza and hinted at possible long-term evacuations. Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of carrying out “deliberate mass displacement” and rendering many areas uninhabitable—claims Israel has denied.
Since October 2023, over 947 Palestinians, including 200 children, have reportedly been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations. Meanwhile, 39 Israeli civilians have died during the same period in the region.
Settler-related violence has also surged. In Kafr Malik, footage shared online depicted chaos as flames engulfed a house while gunshots rang out. The Israeli military confirmed deploying forces after dozens of settlers ignited property. Clashes erupted, resulting in injuries and arrests. Five settlers were taken into custody.
Israeli opposition politician Yair Golan described the settler action as a “violent Jewish pogrom,” denouncing the destruction and assaults committed.
Additional attacks occurred near Taybeh and Jericho, according to reports by Israeli human rights groups and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. In these incidents, several cars were set ablaze and at least eight people were treated for smoke inhalation.
Ongoing Displacement and Global Concern
UNRWA officials have expressed grave concern over continued demolitions and forced evictions in refugee camps like Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams. Dozens of homes have reportedly been demolished in the past two weeks alone.
“Palestinian families are being stripped of dignity, many without the chance to recover belongings before demolition,” said Roland Friedrich of UNRWA, warning of worsening humanitarian conditions in these heavily targeted areas.
