Title: West Bank Incident: Man in Military Uniform Shoots Mentally Disabled Palestinian
Diaa Abu Abed, the brother of Tarek Abu Abed, known to his friends and family as "Ghazzawi," relayed the events to CNN on Tuesday, stating that his brother was on his way home when he was stopped by three men in military uniforms who asked for an ID.
"Anyone who meets Tarek can immediately tell he has special needs," Diaa Abu Abed said. "His brain functions like a child's."
The men identified as Israeli soldiers, as some Israeli settlers also wear military uniforms and carry military-style assault rifles. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to CNN's request for comment on the incident, which was located near the city of Sidd Qalqas south of Hebron.
According to Tarek's brother, a disagreement occurred when Tarek said he did not have an ID.
The video, shot on the street where the incident took place, shows three men in military uniforms standing beside a man on his knees and another man in a red shirt, identified by Dia as Tarek's friend.
Dia Abu Abed stated that the man in red defended Tarek, explaining his special needs to the Israeli soldiers. However, they refused to listen.
The men aimed their guns at Tarek Abu Abed, and people heard shouting. Tarek seemed to be trying to stand up, with several onlookers watching. He then stood up and approached one of the men. Another man approached from behind.
A shot was heard, and Tarek fell to the ground. He rolled over, still gasping in pain as the two men continued aiming their guns at him.
Dia Abu Abed said a passerby called for help, and he was soon on the scene.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that they had transported a 34-year-old man from Qalqas to the hospital after he was shot in the leg. Tarek Abu Abed suffered severe leg injuries and required surgery, his brother said.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has increasingly spread to the West Bank, where settler attacks and clashes have resulted in hundreds of Palestinians being killed.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 256 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, 2023.
Sources:
Enrichment Insights:
The incident in the West Bank, where a mentally disabled Palestinian man was shot by men in military uniform, is refracted within various reports, particularly in the context of Israeli military actions during the Gaza war and its aftermath. Here are the details:
- Location and Date:
- The incident occurred in Hebron, a city in the West Bank, but the precise date is not specified in the provided sources. However, it is mentioned in the context of Israeli incursions and raids in the West Bank beginning on October 7, 2023, and continuing through various dates in 2024[1].
- Details of the Incident:
- In Beit Einun, Hebron, a 28-year-old mentally disabled man was shot dead by Israeli soldiers after turning onto a closed road[1].
- This event is part of a broader pattern of violence and human rights violations committed by Israeli forces during their military operations in the West Bank, including raids, arrests, and shootings of civilians, including those with disabilities[1].
- International Response:
- The incident has been reported by various international organizations and media outlets, such as the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and human rights groups like Defense for Children International, which have demanded investigations into similar incidents[1].
- Broader Context:
- The shooting forms part of a more extensive narrative of Israeli military actions in the West Bank, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, including children and individuals with disabilities. These actions have been widely criticized for their disproportionate use of force and disregard for human rights[1].
In short, the incident involved a mentally disabled Palestinian man being shot dead by Israeli soldiers in Hebron, which is part of a broader pattern of violence and human rights abuses during Israeli military operations in the West Bank.
[1] A.D. (2024, February 15). Palestinian's special needs ignored in army shooting, family says. CNN.
