Published 11/28/2025 16:05 | Edited 11/28/2025 16:55
The UN Human Rights Office said on Friday (28) it was “horrified” by what it described as the “brazen murder” of two Palestinian men apparently surrendered by Israeli forces in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank.
Images released by Palestine TV show the men leaving a building surrounded by troops, lifting their shirts and kneeling, in a gesture interpreted as surrender, before being shot at point-blank range.
UN spokesman Jeremy Laurence classified the episode as another “apparent summary execution”, calling for an independent investigation and accountability. The organization’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, also called for a quick and effective investigation into the deaths.
Israel admits shooting, but says it is investigating case
In a joint statement, the Israeli Army and border police said that the two men — identified by the West Bank Ministry of Health as Montasir Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Asasa, 37 — were wanted for “terrorist activities” and that they were forced to leave a building after hours of siege.
According to the note, both were shot after leaving and the episode is being investigated by military authorities.
The Palestinian Authority accuses Israel of committing a “war crime” and claims that the bodies were taken by soldiers. Human rights movements say there was no immediate threat that would justify the use of lethal force.
Escalation of violence and advancement of military operations
The incident occurred in the context of a broad Israeli operation in the northeastern region of the West Bank. According to Palestinian organizations, more than 100 people have been detained since Tuesday in the city of Tubas.
Israel claims to respond to attempts by armed groups to establish bases and build infrastructure in the territory. In November, a Palestinian attack killed one Israeli and injured three, intensifying military actions.
The West Bank has experienced a spike in violence since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli troops and settlers have killed more than a thousand Palestinians in the territory since then, while 44 Israelis have died in attacks or clashes.
International organizations warn of the increase in aggression by settlers, often close to military forces, and the impunity of their perpetrators.
Human rights speak of dehumanization
Human rights entities see the case as a reflection of an accelerated process of dehumanization of Palestinians. The Israeli group B’Tselem said the two men “did not pose any threat” and were deliberately executed.
“The episode is the result of an accelerated process of dehumanization and the complete abandonment of Palestinian lives by the Israeli regime,” said Yuli Novak, the organization’s executive director.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities from the more radical wing defended the action. The Minister of Internal Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, said that the military and police “acted exactly as expected” and that “terrorists need to die”, always referring to any Palestinian, including babies.
The UN reiterated that deaths and rights violations in the West Bank must be investigated and that those responsible must be punished. The case further increases tension in the region, already under strong military pressure and growing humanitarian deterioration.
Source: vermelho.org.br
