Palestinian Prisoners' Club Accuses Israel of Field Executions During Arrests

The Palestinian Prisoners' Club stated on Tuesday that Israeli forces are turning arrest operations into "fields for field executions." This statement followed the killing of Ziad Mohammed Jaber, 54, by Israeli army fire during a raid on his home in Al-Bireh city in the occupied West Bank. The club reported that Jaber was shot twice by Israeli forces during the raid, which also resulted in the arrest of his nephew and a relative.

According to the club, Israeli forces arrested at least 30 individuals across the West Bank from Monday evening to Tuesday morning. They highlighted Jaber's death as part of a rise in killings during arrest and raid operations. The club recalled a similar incident less than a month prior, where Fathi Hazem was killed in his home in Jenin during an arrest operation, characterizing both as evidence of escalating field executions during arrests.

Further evidence cited includes marks of restraints on the limbs of some deceased individuals and details surrounding the handover of bodies released by Israel in previous exchange deals. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club asserted that Israeli authorities are attempting to "legitimize killing" through legislation, including a law to execute Palestinian prisoners approved by the Knesset in March.

The club urged the United Nations and international human rights bodies to hold Israeli officials accountable for these alleged killings. The Palestinian Ministry of Health had previously confirmed Jaber's death from Israeli army gunfire in Al-Bireh. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported treating him for critical gunshot wounds before his death.

Since the start of the Gaza war, the West Bank has seen daily incursions and assaults by the Israeli army, alongside increased settler violence, including killings, arrests, home demolitions, arson, land confiscation, and displacement.