The United Nations is condemning what it describes as an apparent “summary execution” of two Palestinian men by Israeli security forces during a raid in Jenin on Thursday, after video footage showed the men kneeling, unarmed, and appearing to surrender before they were shot.
UN human rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said the organization was “appalled by the brazen killing,” calling the incident another example of excessive and unlawful use of force in the occupied West Bank.
Footage aired by Palestine TV shows the two men on their knees with hands raised as Israeli border police surround them with rifles drawn. Moments later, the men — identified as 26-year-old Al-Muntasir Abdullah and 37-year-old Yousef Asasa — were fatally shot.
Israel’s military and police say they have launched an investigation, describing the men as “wanted individuals” allegedly affiliated with a terrorist network in Jenin. Their statement did not specify the accusations or provide evidence linking the men to such activities.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir defended the officers, saying they acted “exactly as expected,” adding, “terrorists should die.” The UN called his remarks “abhorrent” and said they underscored serious concerns about impunity and the use of lethal force.
Residents in Jenin returned Friday to inspect the scene at the auto garage where the shooting occurred, as the incident intensifies already soaring tensions across the West Bank.
