Israeli forces have shot and killed two Palestinian teenagers in the occupied West Bank, accusing them of throwing Molotov cocktails, the Israeli military said on Friday.
According to the military, the incident occurred overnight in the village of Judeira, north of Jerusalem. “Last night, two terrorists were identified as they ignited and threw Molotov cocktails toward a main civilian route in Judeira,” the army said in a statement, adding that its troops “eliminated” the individuals.
The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victims as 16-year-old Mohammed Ateem and Mohammed Qasim. It said Israeli soldiers retrieved their bodies after the shooting.
The Israeli army also released surveillance footage purportedly showing two figures throwing a burning object over a wall separating Judeira from a nearby Israeli-used road. Though Judeira lies within the West Bank, the surrounding roads and lands are effectively annexed by Israel.
On Wednesday, Israeli forces killed another Palestinian teenager they said had thrown an explosive device at troops. The army said it had killed three militants and arrested 60 “wanted individuals” this week across the West Bank.
Violence in the territory has escalated sharply since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 1,001 Palestinians, including militants, have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the conflict started. Israeli officials say 43 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in Palestinian attacks during the same period.
