Israeli troops were deployed in response to reports that 3 terrorists were hurling Molotov cocktails at passing civilian cars near Bethlehem.
By Erin Viner
“The troops took action to stop them, firing at one of the suspects while he threw a Molotov cocktail and hit him,” said the Israeli military in a statement, underscoring that the assailant died of his wounds despite the immediate provision of first aid.
Palestinian sources identified the assailant as Mohammad Shahada, 14.
The incident occurred in the West Bank Palestinian village of al-Khader in the Gush Etzion region, where there have been multiple recent reports of attacks on Israeli drivers.
According to the IDF, there were 1,022 firebomb attacks against Israeli security forces and civilians in the West Bank, compared to 75 in 2020. 5,532 Palestinian rock-throwing incidents were reported in 2021, while there were 4,002 the year prior.
“Thank you to our troops whose strength was justified,” said Gush Etzion Regional Council head Shlomo Ne’eman, adding, “The IDF soldiers who killed the Arab trying to burn Jews alive did the right thing. If this trend continues, I am sure we will see fewer Molotov cocktails thrown in Gush Etzion in particular, and in Judea and Samaria in general.”
United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Conflict Tor Wennesland issued a statement expressing ‘grave concern’ over the incident. “Children must not [be] the target of violence or put in harm’s way. ISF must exercise [maximum] restraint [and] may use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable to protect life,” he underscored.