Israeli forces have killed a Palestinian man during a military raid in the occupied West Bank, according to statements from the Israeli military and Palestinian authorities.
The Israeli army said the incident occurred in Silwad, a town east of Ramallah, where troops were conducting an operation. In a statement, the military claimed that two individuals attacked Israeli soldiers, leaving them injured.
“The soldiers responded by opening fire. One terrorist was eliminated, and the other was neutralised and apprehended,” the statement said.
However, the Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the deceased as 37-year-old Abdel Halim Hammad, noting that Israeli authorities had informed them of his death. Reports indicate that Israeli forces often notify Palestinian officials when bodies are retained following such operations.
The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Hammad was killed during a nighttime raid on his home. It also stated that his brother, Mohammad Hammad, had previously been killed by Israeli forces in 2021, with his body still reportedly held by Israeli authorities.
Tensions have escalated across the West Bank since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War in October 2023, with frequent raids and clashes reported.
According to figures compiled from Palestinian health sources, over 1,000 Palestinians, comprising both militants and civilians have been killed in the territory during this period. Israeli authorities, on the other hand, say at least 46 Israelis, including both civilians and security personnel, have lost their lives in related attacks and operations.
The latest incident underscores the ongoing volatility in the region, as violence continues to surge amid the broader conflict.
