Israeli Troops Kill Two Palestinian Teenagers Near West Bank Settlement
Ramallah- Israeli soldiers shot dead two Palestinian teenagers in the occupied West Bank on Monday near a Jewish settlement, Palestinian officials said, while the Israeli military said the youths were involved in an attack using fire bombs and burning tires.
The incident occurred near the town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, in an area close to the Israeli settlement of Karmei Tzur, according to Israeli and Palestinian accounts.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA identified the victims as 15 and 19 years old. A relative confirmed their ages to Reuters. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said a third Palestinian, aged 15, was wounded and taken to hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.
The Israeli military said troops opened fire on three individuals who were allegedly throwing fire bombs and setting tires alight near the settlement. According to the military, two of the suspects were killed and a third was wounded.
Reuters could not independently verify the military’s account, and Palestinian officials did not immediately provide additional details regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have intensified security operations and movement restrictions around Palestinian communities located near Israeli settlements.
The territory has witnessed a rise in violence involving Israeli security forces, settlers and Palestinians since the start of the year. According to United Nations data, at least 57 Palestinians have been killed in incidents involving Israeli settlers or security forces in the West Bank in 2026.
Palestinians have also carried out attacks targeting Israeli soldiers and settlers in the territory. Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security agency has reported at least one deadly Palestinian attack in the West Bank this year.
The status of Israeli settlements remains one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most countries and United Nations bodies regard the settlements as illegal under international law and an obstacle to a future Palestinian state. Israel disputes that interpretation, arguing that the territory is disputed and citing historical Jewish ties to the area.
No immediate indication was given that the latest incident would trigger a formal investigation, and neither side announced additional security measures following the shooting.
