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Israeli forces have shot and killed a Palestinian teenager accused of throwing stones at soldiers near the village of Husan in the occupied West Bank, according to both the Israeli military and local officials.
The Israeli army said the incident occurred on Thursday evening, stating that several individuals it labelled as “terrorists” were hurling stones near Road 375, close to Husan. Soldiers in the area, the army said, responded with gunfire, resulting in the death of one and injury to another.
Jamal Sabateen, the mayor of Husan, confirmed the incident and told AFP that the victim was a 17-year-old boy. “The Israeli army opened fire on them— killed one and injured another. The army took them, and up until now, they haven’t been returned,” he said.
The Palestinian health ministry, based in the West Bank, identified the deceased as Yussef Zaoul and confirmed he died from Israeli gunfire.
Husan is located around seven kilometres west of Bethlehem and is typically more peaceful compared to the northern hotspots of Jenin and Tulkarem, where Israeli operations have been more frequent. However, Palestinian sources say the area around Bethlehem has also seen a surge in Israeli raids and arrests in recent weeks.
In a separate incident, the Palestinian health ministry reported that 42-year-old Hussein Hardan was killed by Israeli forces early Friday morning in Jenin. The Israeli army confirmed an operation had taken place, saying the man was being pursued as a “terrorist”. According to their statement, he attempted to flee during the raid, prompting soldiers to open fire and fatally wound him.
The West Bank has experienced a significant escalation in violence since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 917 Palestinians — including militants — have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank during this period.
Israeli authorities report that at least 33 Israelis, including soldiers, have died in attacks or clashes linked to military operations across the West Bank since the same period.
Israel has maintained its occupation of the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War.
