Tammun, West Bank. Palestinian health authorities said Israeli forces killed a Palestinian couple and two of their children on Sunday as they drove in the area, while the Israeli military said the incident was under review.
Family killed and two children injured, authorities say
Palestinian health authorities identified the dead as Ali Khaled Bani Odeh, 37, his wife Waad, 35, and two of their children, Mohammad and Othman, aged 5 and 7. They said all four were shot in the head in the village of Tammun, and that two other children were injured.
Israeli military says vehicle accelerated toward forces
The Israeli military said in a statement that its forces had operated in Tammun to arrest Palestinians wanted for involvement in what it called “terrorist” activity against security forces. It said that during the operation a vehicle accelerated toward the forces, which “perceived an immediate threat” and responded with gunfire, killing four Palestinians in the vehicle. It said the circumstances were under review.
Surviving child recounts incident
Speaking to Reuters at the hospital, Khaled, 12, one of the two surviving boys, said he heard his mother crying and his father praying before shots were fired at the car. He said, “We came under direct fire, we didn’t know the source. Everyone in the car was martyred, except my brother Mustafa and me.” He said soldiers pulled him out of the vehicle, beat him, and cried: “We killed dogs.”
Palestinian Health Ministry reports separate settler attack
The Palestinian Health Ministry said one Palestinian was also killed in an attack by Israeli settlers overnight.
Rights groups and medics cite attacks and access delays
Rights groups and medics said Israeli settlers in the West Bank are taking advantage of curbs on movement imposed during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran to attack Palestinians, with military roadblocks preventing ambulances from reaching victims quickly.
What do you think should be done to ensure civilian vehicles and emergency responders can travel safely in the West Bank?