The UN urges an independent investigation after two Palestinians were shot dead during an Israeli raid in Jenin, raising concerns over accountability.
UN Calls for Independent Probe After Deadly Jenin Raid
International Condemnation Intensifies
The United Nations is calling for a fully independent investigation after two Palestinian men were shot dead during an Israeli raid in Jenin on Thursday. The UN human rights office said video from the scene appeared to show the men unarmed and attempting to surrender before being killed, prompting renewed scrutiny of Israeli security operations in the West Bank.
Incident Captured on Video
Footage aired by Palestine TV showed Al-Muntasir Abdullah, 26, and Yousef Asasa, 37, emerging from a building with their hands raised shortly before shots were fired. The raid took place in Jenin, a frequent flashpoint in the Israeli-occupied West Bank where tensions have continued to escalate over the past year.
Israeli Forces Announce Internal Review
Israeli police and military issued a joint statement confirming that an internal probe had been opened. Authorities said the men were “wanted individuals” linked to a local terror network, but did not provide evidence or details about the alleged affiliations. The statement indicated that forces fired after “suspects exited a building,” though it did not address the contents of the video.
UN Criticizes Lack of Accountability
At a briefing in Geneva on Friday, UN spokesperson Jeremy Laurence condemned what he described as an “apparent summary execution” and warned that investigations announced by Israeli authorities rarely result in consequences. Laurence stressed that rule of law requires proper arrest and judicial procedures—not lethal force on sight.
Political Backing for the Operation
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly defended the officers involved, saying they acted “exactly as expected” and insisting that “terrorists should die.” The UN said such comments undermine confidence in any domestic inquiry and raise concerns about political pressure shielding security forces from accountability.
Human Rights Groups Raise Alarms
B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, said international involvement is essential because internal reviews rarely reach senior decision-makers. The group noted that policy direction from political and military leadership plays a central role in shaping conduct on the ground.
Broader Context of Rising Violence
The killings occurred amid a sharp rise in West Bank violence since late 2023, with Israeli forces conducting near-daily raids and settler attacks also increasing. Last week, two Palestinian teenagers were killed during an operation near Ramallah. Israeli police claimed the youths posed an “immediate threat” but offered no supporting evidence.
Impact of Gaza Conflict on the West Bank
Although a temporary truce was supposed to reduce hostilities, health officials in Gaza continue to report civilian deaths from Israeli strikes. The conflict, which erupted after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, has left tens of thousands dead and further destabilized the West Bank as military restrictions tightened and movement became heavily restricted for Palestinians.
UN Reports Alarming Fatality Numbers
The UN says more than 1,030 Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023, including 223 children. Laurence emphasized that the pattern of fatal incidents—with minimal accountability—requires urgent international attention.
Call for Immediate, Independent Action
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging a prompt, credible, and impartial investigation into the Jenin killings and other recent incidents. The organization says those responsible, regardless of rank, must be held to account to prevent recurring violations and restore trust in judicial oversight.
