Two Palestinians Killed by IDF Fire Near Ramallah

Two Palestinians, aged 16 and 19, were killed by Israeli military fire on Wednesday evening in the village of al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The IDF stated that the shooting occurred during a "violent riot" where Palestinians threw blocks and stones at soldiers, and that the troops responded by firing at "key instigators to remove the threat." The military added that the events preceding the incident and its handling are under review.

According to the IDF, soldiers were securing the entry of Judea and Samaria District police officers and an Israeli civilian into the village to retrieve livestock belonging to Israeli civilians that had been located in the village. The animals were identified as belonging to Israelis by markings.

The incident occurred about an hour and a half after a separate confrontation in the village. In that earlier event, settlers arrived after two of their sheep were allegedly poisoned. Stone-throwing ensued, initially directed at the settlers and later becoming mutual. A military force dispersed the participants.

Approximately 90 minutes later, security forces entered the village for the operation to recover the flock, which had reportedly been stolen recently. As the forces were leaving, a riot erupted, and stones were thrown at them. The forces responded with gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the two Palestinians and serious injury to another.

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the deceased as Omar Naasan and Khalil Abu Aliya. The head of al-Mughayyir village council told the Palestinian news agency Wafa that the shooting occurred during an attack by settlers on the village, allegedly accompanied by IDF forces. He claimed settlers and IDF forces entered the village center, attacked two homes, and took sheep. When residents tried to intervene, live fire was opened on them, and he further alleged that IDF snipers positioned themselves on nearby buildings.