Israeli security forces stand accused of executing two unarmed Palestinian men who had surrendered during a military raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.
The Jenin Incident: A Surrender Turns Deadly
Horrific video footage captured during the operation shows two men, later identified as Mahmoud Qassem Abdallah, 26, and Youssef Asasa, 37, emerging from a building with their hands in the air. In an apparent attempt to prove they were not carrying weapons, the men were seen lifting their shirts before kneeling on the ground.
The footage then shows the men lying face down on the street. Israeli border police officers subsequently directed them back inside the building, where they were shot dead at point-blank range.
Conflicting Narratives and Official Responses
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident is under review but provided a different account. A spokesperson stated that the men were 'wanted individuals' who had carried out terror activities, including hurling explosives and firing at security forces.
The IDF claimed a multi-hour 'surrender procedure' took place before the men exited the structure. 'Following their exit, fire was directed toward the suspects,' the spokesperson said, adding that the event would be investigated by professional bodies.
In stark contrast, the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, described the killings as a 'deliberate war crime'. A spokesman for the Authority stated, 'Israeli occupation forces executed two young Palestinians in Jenin in cold blood, even after they had turned themselves in. An outright extrajudicial killing in blatant violation of international humanitarian law.'
Meanwhile, Israel's hard-right Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, offered his full support to the troops involved. 'The troops acted precisely as is expected of them – terrorists have to die,' he said.
Broader Context of West Bank Violence
This shooting occurred amidst a significant escalation of Israeli military operations across the West Bank. These operations have intensified since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
The Israeli military has stated its current actions are a crackdown on militants, aiming to prevent the establishment of 'terrorist strongholds'. In a separate, large-scale operation in the town of Tubas, more than 100 people have been detained since a recent Tuesday, according to a Palestinian advocacy group.
However, Palestinians and human rights organisations consistently accuse Israel of using excessive force, alleging that dozens of unarmed civilians have been killed. This incident in Jenin is seen by many as the latest in a long-running campaign that has created a climate of fear in the region.
