Israeli security forces in the West Bank shot and killed two Palestinian men who were apparently surrendering and unarmed during a raid, as shown in footage from Palestine TV on Thursday. The men were seen exiting a building in Jenin, raising their shirts, and lying down in a surrender position. However, the forces directed them back inside before firing at close range.
A Reuters journalist present at the scene observed the men surrendering and later witnessed Israeli forces near a motionless body. The Palestinian health ministry identified the deceased as Montasir Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Asasa, 37.
The Israeli military and police announced an investigation into the incident, stating that they had fired at suspects who had left a building. The statement did not clarify the events leading up to the shooting or mention the men’s surrender.
Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub condemned the incident as a “cold-blooded execution” of unarmed men who had surrendered. He called for those responsible to be held accountable, expressing skepticism about a thorough Israeli investigation.
Israeli forces had been conducting an operation in Jenin to apprehend individuals involved in acts of terrorism against security forces. The two men were linked to a local terror network, according to the authorities, but details of their alleged activities were not disclosed.
Security forces surrounded the building where the men were located and initiated a surrender process that lasted several hours before opening fire. The military and police stated that the shooting is under review and will be examined by relevant authorities.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed full support for the military and police unit involved, emphasizing that terrorists should be eliminated. The raid in Jenin is part of an ongoing Israeli campaign in northern West Bank cities, following a recent operation in Tubas.
Hamas denounced the killings in Jenin, calling them executions and urging international intervention to stop what they termed as Israel’s “escalating field executions.” The militant group, however, did not claim the two men as its members.