Israeli military forces have killed two Palestinian men in the West Bank city of Jenin after the individuals appeared to be surrendering, in an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organisations.
The Surrender Incident
Footage broadcast on two Arab television channels captured the moment the two men exited a building in northern Jenin and lay on the ground before Israeli troops. Both individuals lifted their T-shirts and raised their hands in the air, clearly demonstrating they carried no weapons or explosives.
According to video evidence and eyewitness accounts, the soldiers then ordered the men back inside the building before opening fire. A Reuters journalist present in the area witnessed the men emerge appearing to surrender, and later observed Israeli forces standing near what appeared to be a lifeless body after hearing shots.
Victims and Official Statements
Palestinian authorities identified the deceased as al Muntasir Abdullah, 26, and Yousef Asasa, 37. The Palestinian prime minister's office in Ramallah described the shooting as "an outright extrajudicial killing in blatant violation of international humanitarian law."
In a joint statement, the Israeli Defence Forces and Israeli police stated that the operation aimed to "apprehend wanted individuals who had carried out terror activities, including hurling explosives and firing at security forces." The statement confirmed that "following their exit, fire was directed toward the suspects" and indicated the incident is under review.
Political Reactions and Human Rights Concerns
Israel's far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir offered his "full backing" to the military and police unit involved, declaring on social media that "terrorists should die!"
However, human rights organisations have expressed grave concerns. Yuli Novak, executive director of Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, stated: "The execution documented today is the result of an accelerated process of dehumanisation of Palestinians and the complete abandonment of their lives by the Israeli regime."
Since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to B'Tselem, which noted perpetrators are "granted full impunity by Israel." The organisation and other rights groups maintain that Israeli investigations into such incidents rarely lead to prosecutions of security personnel.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of intensified Israeli military operations throughout the West Bank following the October 7 Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
