Footage suggests the fatal shooting of a Palestinian activist by an Israeli settler
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settler Yinon Levi, accused of shooting and killing Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, was initially detained and placed under house arrest, but was later released on August 1, 2025. Despite ongoing allegations and video evidence showing Levi firing the gun, Israeli authorities have yet to prosecute or extend his detention.
The shooting took place in Umm al-Khair, a village that has experienced settler violence. The video, captured by Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, shows Levi arguing heatedly with a group of men before firing the gun. The bullet hit Hathaleen in the chest, and he collapsed on the spot.
Legal proceedings have shown complications. A Jerusalem Magistrates Court judge rejected a police request to extend Levi's house arrest, noting testimonies that supported his defense that he did not shoot from a very close range. The police appealed this decision but were unsuccessful. As of early August 2025, Levi was reported to be active on his settlement land, while some relatives of Hathaleen were still imprisoned, and his body was only returned three days after the killing.
International human rights groups, including B’Tselem, have condemned the killing and the lack of accountability for Levi, highlighting a broader pattern of impunity for settler violence in the West Bank. Additional reports mention that medical aid workers who tried to assist Hathaleen after he was injured were detained and deported by Israeli authorities shortly after the incident.
The case has sparked widespread criticism over the handling of the investigation. Palestinians and rights groups have long accused Israeli authorities of turning a blind eye to settler violence. As Levi remains free with claims of self-defense upheld by authorities, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring justice and accountability for all parties involved in the conflict.
[1] Haaretz [2] The Times of Israel
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