A Palestinian teenager was killed by Israeli forces near Ramallah today, as tensions escalate in the West Bank. The incident occurred in the village of Al-Mughayyir, located in the Ramallah district, amidst reports of settler violence and military activity.
According to reports, Israeli soldiers entered Al-Mughayyir coinciding with worshippers leaving a local mosque. Live ammunition, sound grenades, and tear gas were reportedly deployed, resulting in the death of 13-year-old Mohammed Nassan. Witnesses also allege that settlers fired directly at civilians and journalists in the southern part of the village.
Reports indicate a surge in settler activity in Al-Mughayyir, allegedly under the protection of Israeli forces. Early this morning, settlers reportedly entered the Khallayel area, south of the village, and opened fire in the vicinity, targeting residents and their property. These incidents are described as a continuation of ongoing harassment.
An Israeli military spokesperson stated that forces were dispatched to Al-Mughayyir following reports of Palestinians throwing stones at Israeli citizens, burning tires, and blocking access to the area. The spokesperson added that security forces are conducting searches, implementing closures, and imposing a cordon on the village following reports of gunfire.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces raided homes in the village of Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah, arresting three Palestinian youths and damaging infrastructure on the main street. Prior to withdrawing, forces imposed a security blockade, disrupting movement and forcing businesses to close under the pretext of searching for individuals who allegedly threw an explosive device and a Molotov cocktail towards a military outpost near the village.
Furthermore, settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian homes in Khallayel al-Loz, southeast of Bethlehem, attempting to break in. Residents reportedly resisted the attack, preventing the settlers from advancing, which led to the settlers firing tear gas at the homes. No injuries were reported.
