Israeli Forces Kill Two Palestinians in West Bank Incidents

On December 20, 2025, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported the killing of two Palestinians during separate incidents in the West Bank. The first incident occurred in Qabatiya, where the IDF claimed that a 16-year-old Palestinian, Rayan Mohammed Abdel Qader Abu Mualla, hurled a brick at soldiers from the Paratroopers Brigade’s reconnaissance unit. The IDF stated that the troops returned fire, resulting in Abu Mualla's death. The second incident took place in Silat al-Harithiya, where a 22-year-old Palestinian, Ahmad Zayoud, was killed after allegedly throwing an explosive device at the soldiers. The IDF reported no injuries among its personnel during these encounters.

Times of Israel

The Palestinian Authority's health ministry confirmed the identities of the deceased, stating that Abu Mualla's body is being withheld by Israeli forces. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage from Palestinian media have raised questions about the IDF's narrative. The footage reportedly shows Abu Mualla approaching the troops without any apparent aggression before they opened fire, contradicting the IDF's claim that he attacked them. Al Jazeera reported that witnesses indicated Israeli troops blocked emergency responders from reaching Abu Mualla, who was left to bleed until he died.

These incidents occur amid escalating violence in the West Bank, which has intensified since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. The IDF has recorded over 752 incidents of nationalistic crime and settler violence in the region since the beginning of the year. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that more than 200 children have been killed since the onset of the conflict in 2023, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The IDF maintains that its operations in the West Bank are necessary counter-terrorism measures targeting individuals linked to Palestinian armed groups. However, critics argue that these actions often result in unnecessary civilian casualties. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the killings, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the use of lethal force by Israeli troops.

The violence in the West Bank is part of a larger context of conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, exacerbated by ongoing military operations in Gaza. The situation has drawn international scrutiny, with various rights organizations labeling Israeli actions as violations of international law. The recent killings have also coincided with discussions among international diplomats regarding peace efforts and the establishment of a transitional administration in Gaza.

• “Not only that, they refused to let anyone come close to the body for 40 minutes, a practice we’ve been seeing a lot in the occupied West Bank where Israeli forces kind of wait for the person to die,” — Nida Ibrahim, Al Jazeera Reporter

• “The claim of casualties in the area is familiar; the incident is under investigation,” — IDF Statement

The deaths of Rayan Abu Mualla and Ahmad Zayoud underscore the ongoing tensions and violence in the West Bank, raising critical questions about the conduct of Israeli forces and the broader implications for peace in the region. As investigations continue, the international community remains watchful of developments that may affect future diplomatic efforts.