Palestinian Sanitation Worker Shot Dead at Shuafat Checkpoint, Police Refuse Investigation

Khalil Al-Rashaq, a 47-year-old Palestinian sanitation worker and father of two from East Jerusalem, was fatally shot at the Shuafat checkpoint, reportedly by Border Police officers. Initial findings indicate that three bullets were fired at his lower body, with two hitting his legs and one striking his groin. Witnesses reported that Al-Rashaq was left at the scene for an extended period. The Police Investigations Department has declined to open a formal investigation and delayed the release of the body. Although the inquiry is ongoing, past cases suggest that delays hinder uncovering conclusive findings. Approximately ten months prior, Al-Rashaq was assaulted by two youths in Jerusalem during a violent TikTok trend, leaving him injured and helpless.