Residents in a West Bank village are still on edge over a shooting that resulted in the deaths of a teenage boy and a man in his 30s more than a week ago near a boys’ school. The community fears further violence from Israeli settlers and the military, with parents and students at the school feeling anxious.
Nidaa al-Naasan, the mother of 14-year-old Aws Al-Naasan who was killed, expressed her grief at the site where her son was shot. The incident also claimed the life of Jihad Abu Naim, 32, with three others sustaining injuries.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) initially reported that the shooting occurred after rocks were thrown at a vehicle carrying Israeli civilians, including a reserve IDF soldier. The soldier allegedly opened fire at individuals in the area, leading to his dismissal from reserve duties.
The school’s headmaster noted that about half of the students have not returned to class following the shooting, reflecting the heightened fear and uncertainty within the community. Witnesses mentioned that Israeli troops fired tear gas at students and teachers rather than pursuing the shooter, causing further distress.
Ongoing tensions in the West Bank have seen an increase in settler attacks on Palestinians, with over 40 Palestinian fatalities recorded this year alone. The United Nations and Western countries have deemed these attacks illegal under international law, while Israeli authorities have pledged to address the issue.
The Israeli government’s expansion of settlements in the occupied territories continues to draw criticism, with concerns raised over the safety and security of Palestinian communities. Netanyahu’s administration has defended settlement building as a security measure, despite international calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.