Two Palestinian Youths Killed by Israeli Forces in West Bank Village Raid

Two Palestinian youths, aged 19, were killed by live ammunition fired by Israeli forces during a raid on the village of Al-Mughayyir, north of Ramallah, on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred when Israeli forces, accompanied by settlers, entered the village. Local sources reported that the youths, Omar Muhammad Naasan and Khalil Abu Aliya, sustained critical injuries after Israeli snipers shot at residents who were attempting to confront settlers attacking homes and stealing livestock.

The head of Al-Mughayyir village council, Amin Abu Aliya, stated that settlers first attacked two homes belonging to residents Saleh Suleiman and Shihada Kaabneh, and stole sheep. He added that Israeli army snipers positioned on buildings then fired on residents who emerged to resist the settlers. The two youths died while being transported to the hospital.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported treating two individuals for live ammunition wounds, one in the neck and another in the back, as well as several cases of tear gas inhalation. Local sources also indicated that some young men were beaten by Israeli soldiers during the confrontation.

Israeli forces heavily deployed throughout the village and its surroundings, blocking all entrances and exits. Abu Aliya confirmed that the settlers entered the area before the Israeli forces raided the village and spread out, with soldiers positioned among the homes. The forces reportedly secured the settlers present in the area.

Al-Mughayyir has been a frequent target of settler attacks. The village council head noted that these attacks often coincide with Israeli military presence, complicating residents' ability to defend themselves. The recent events have escalated tensions in the West Bank, which has seen a significant rise in military operations, arrests, and settler violence since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.