Clashes Erupt Near Hebron as Haredi Tourists Visit Village, 17-Year-Old Palestinian Killed

Severe clashes broke out on Friday in the village of Kharbat Harmoush near Sa'ir, in the Hebron area, after a group of Haredi Jewish tourists arrived at the village outskirts without coordination or approval from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). According to a security source, Palestinians began throwing stones at the group upon their arrival. The situation escalated when a security officer from a nearby settlement arrived and fired warning shots into the air, later shooting toward Palestinians who did not leave the area.

Palestinian reports state that a 17-year-old boy was killed and a 70-year-old man was seriously injured by the gunfire. Additionally, Palestinians accused the Jewish visitors of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a house in the village, setting it on fire, with footage showing a building ablaze. The IDF and police have launched an investigation into the incident, including questioning the security officer involved.

The investigation is examining claims by the security officer and the tourists that they faced a life-threatening situation and that the Palestinians posed a threat and refused to disperse. Israeli security officials are also attempting to locate and question the Palestinians injured during the event to gather further information.