Israeli Forces Kill Two Palestinian Men in Jenin During Surrender Attempt

On November 27, 2025, Israeli security forces shot and killed two Palestinian men, Montasir Abdullah, 26, and Yusuf Asasa, 37, during a military operation in Jenin, located in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred as the men appeared to surrender, raising their hands and lying on the ground, according to video footage and eyewitness accounts. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the men were wanted for alleged terror activities, including throwing explosives and firing at security forces.

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The IDF and Israel Police reported that the operation involved a "surrender procedure" that lasted several hours, during which the men exited a building surrounded by armed forces. After emerging, they were reportedly directed back inside before gunfire was directed at them. The IDF's joint statement did not clarify the reasons for the shooting or acknowledge the circumstances of the men's apparent surrender. The incident is currently under investigation by military commanders and will be reviewed by relevant authorities.

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The Palestinian Authority condemned the shooting, labeling it a "fully-fledged war crime" and a violation of international laws. Jenin Governor Kamal Abu al-Rub described the incident as a "cold-blooded execution" and expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of a genuine investigation by Israeli authorities. In contrast, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the actions of the military and police, asserting that "terrorists must die" and expressing full support for the forces involved.

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This incident is part of a broader Israeli military campaign in the northern West Bank, which has intensified in recent months. The Palestinian militant group Hamas condemned the killings as an "execution" and called for international intervention to halt what it described as Israel's "escalating field executions." The group did not claim affiliation with the deceased men. The ongoing military operations and incidents like this one contribute to rising tensions in the region, drawing attention from international observers and human rights organizations.

While the IDF maintains that the men were wanted for terror-related activities, specific details regarding the allegations against them have not been disclosed. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence suggest that the men were unarmed and had surrendered, raising questions about the justification for the use of lethal force. The lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of the shooting has led to calls for accountability and transparency in the investigation.

• “The incident is currently under investigation by field commanders and will be transferred for review by the relevant authorities,” — IDF Statement

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• “I fully back the Border Police fighters and IDF soldiers who fired at wanted terrorists who came out of a building in Jenin. The fighters acted exactly as expected of them - terrorists must die!,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli National Security Minister

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• “escalating field executions.” — Hamas Statement