Israel’s military is facing scrutiny after a disturbing video emerged showing soldiers throwing the bodies of three dead Palestinians off a rooftop during a raid in the occupied West Bank. The incident, which took place in the town of Qabatiya, near Jenin, has sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to local Palestinian officials, at least seven people were killed by Israeli forces in Qabatiya on Thursday. The IDF stated that the operation was part of a counterterrorism mission, during which four militants were killed in a firefight and three others died in a drone strike on a car.
A journalist in Qabatiya described how Israeli troops surrounded a building in the town, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the deaths of the individuals whose bodies were later thrown off the rooftop. The IDF acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, stating that it does not align with their values and expectations for their soldiers.
The footage has drawn condemnation from international observers, with the White House national security spokesperson calling it “deeply disturbing.” The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates labeled the incident a “crime” that exposed the “brutality” of the Israeli army.
The escalation of violence in the West Bank comes in the wake of increased tensions following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October. Both sides have reported casualties, with more than 690 Palestinians and 33 Israelis killed in the conflict. The situation remains volatile as Israeli forces continue their operations in the region.
