In a tragic incident in the occupied West Bank, Thamin Khalil Reda Dawabsheh, a 35-year-old Palestinian, was fatally shot by an Israeli soldier. This event occurred in the backdrop of escalating tensions and violence involving Israeli settlers in the town of Duma, south of Nablus.
Key Facts
- The incident took place on Wednesday morning when Israeli settlers reportedly initiated an attack on local Palestinians.
- Thamin Khalil Reda Dawabsheh was shot by an off-duty Israeli soldier who was accompanying an Israeli civilian during engineering works near the town.
- Initial Palestinian reports suggested that Dawabsheh was killed directly by settlers. However, the Israeli army’s statement clarified that the soldier fired the fatal shots.
- The violence reportedly began when settlers assaulted a 14-year-old Palestinian boy, prompting local men to intervene.
Background
The town of Duma has been a focal point of settler aggression, with recent land-levelling operations exacerbating tensions. According to Suleiman Dawabsheh, head of the Duma village council, armed settlers not only attacked but also opened fire on Palestinians, leading to Dawabsheh’s death. His demise is noted as part of a broader pattern of increased settler violence, which according to local sources, often goes unaddressed by Israeli authorities.
Official Reactions
The Israeli army’s official statement acknowledged that the shooting occurred after “dozens of Palestinians” allegedly hurled rocks at the Israeli civilian and the accompanying soldier. The army stated that the soldier responded by firing to “remove the threat,” confirming that a hit was identified, which resulted in Dawabsheh’s death.
Broader Context of Violence
The incident is part of a larger, disturbing trend of violence in the West Bank. Just last month, Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist, was killed by an Israeli settler. Such incidents underscore ongoing tensions and the deadly impact of the conflict on local communities. Reports from various human rights organizations suggest a significant rise in violent incidents perpetrated by settlers, often with the backing of military forces.
According to United Nations reports, the violence in the West Bank has significantly escalated since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 650 Palestinians, including children, by mid-2025.
What’s Next?
The international community has expressed concern over these developments, with calls for accountability and measures to protect civilians. The continuous cycle of violence highlights the urgent need for renewed efforts towards peace and security in the region.