Israeli Military Shoots Two Men During Surrender Procedure in Jenin

Israeli military forces shot and killed two men in Jenin, located in the occupied West Bank, during what was described as a “surrender procedure.” This incident has prompted an internal review by Israeli authorities, as confirmed in a joint statement from a military spokesperson and Israel Police. The Palestinian Authority identified the deceased as 26-year-old Al-Muntasir Mahmoud Qassem Abdullah and 37-year-old Youssef Ali Youssef Asasa, condemning the shooting as a “fully-fledged war crime” and a severe breach of international laws and humanitarian standards.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the two men were wanted for allegedly engaging in terrorist activities. In collaboration with border police, the IDF was conducting operations to apprehend individuals linked to a “terrorist organization operating in Jenin.” These individuals were accused of attacking security forces with explosive devices and gunfire.

The IDF detailed that the “surrender procedure” lasted several hours, during which the men exited a building after an engineering vehicle was deployed to facilitate their exit. Following their emergence, the IDF stated that gunfire was directed at the two men. Videos posted on social media captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing the two men appearing to surrender with their hands raised. Subsequently, viewers could hear gunfire, and at least one man’s body was visible on the ground afterward.

The incident is currently under investigation by field commanders and is set to be reviewed by the appropriate authorities, according to the IDF’s statement. The military operation in the West Bank, which took place on March 6, 2024, involved extensive searches of over 220 sites, questioning of dozens, and the arrest of several wanted individuals, as reported by the IDF.

Following the incident, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed his support for the military actions, praising the Border Police and IDF personnel involved. He stated on social media, “I fully back the Border Police fighters and IDF soldiers who fired at wanted terrorists who came out of a building in Jenin. The fighters acted exactly as expected of them—terrorists must die!”

The situation remains tense as investigations proceed, reflecting ongoing complexities in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, particularly in light of the escalating violence and its implications for peace and security in the area.