Arab Sanitation Worker Fatally Shot at Jerusalem Checkpoint After Earlier Assault

Khalil Al-Rashaq, a 50-year-old Arab sanitation worker who was previously assaulted by teenagers in Jerusalem's Ramot neighborhood, was fatally shot last Thursday at the Shuafat refugee camp checkpoint. The incident occurred at 10:55 p.m. when Border Police forces reported shooting a suspect in the leg after he allegedly failed to comply with orders to stop. The Border Police stated that the suspect behaved suspiciously and did not heed commands, leading to the use of force during an arrest procedure. However, Al-Rashaq's family disputed this account, saying he was returning from work, unaware of calls to stop, and was shot five times, one bullet hitting his heart artery. They claim he bled for about 15 minutes without receiving medical aid and died on the spot, describing the shooting as an unjustified execution.

According to police, Al-Rashaq was walking through a vehicle-only passage at the checkpoint and ignored orders to halt. The Border Police said they fired two shots at his legs to stop him from advancing. He was then taken to the hospital, where he died. The Police Investigations Department has opened an inquiry into the shooting. The police have not provided further details pending investigation.

Six months prior, Al-Rashaq was violently attacked by two teenagers in Jerusalem. In December, police arrested the suspects, aged 17 and 18, on charges of assaulting both Al-Rashaq and a bus driver. Security footage showed the assailants repeatedly beating Al-Rashaq while he was working. The prosecution charged them with serious bodily harm. One suspect, Benjamin Yehuda Gutfreund, pleaded guilty in a plea deal two months ago and was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, with possible community service, a 3,000 shekel compensation to Al-Rashaq, and a suspended sentence.

Al-Rashaq was a father of five who led a quiet life, working daily to support his family. His relatives condemned the shooting as cruel and unwarranted, emphasizing that he posed no threat. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of Arab workers at checkpoints in Jerusalem and the use of force by security personnel.