Israeli forces shot and killed two Palestinians near the southern West Bank city of Hebron on Friday, following reports of a shooting incident that allegedly left at least five people wounded. According to the Israeli military, the two individuals were identified as suspected attackers, though the military has not yet released evidence to support its account of the event. The identities of the two deceased individuals have not been confirmed.
Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that five people sustained injuries during the incident, with two of those individuals in critical condition. Photographic footage released by rescue personnel depicted a body dressed in casual clothing lying on the ground in the vicinity of a petrol station, while Israeli forces maintained a patrol presence in the area. Following the confrontation, Israeli military forces established a cordon around the site and initiated search operations. Local Palestinian reports indicate that authorities imposed a curfew on surrounding towns and villages, while also closing major access points to the city with new checkpoints.
The violence occurs amidst heightening tensions throughout the occupied West Bank, just days before Israel's scheduled general election on 27 October. The region has seen an increase in hostilities during the current olive harvest season, which commenced on 20 September. Data from medical and local sources indicate that at least 16 Palestinians were injured and 55 olive trees were set on fire in a single day due to attacks by illegal settlers. According to the Palestinian Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission, there were 647 settler-led attacks recorded in September alone, resulting in three Palestinian deaths. Furthermore, the commission stated that over 45,000 trees have been damaged or destroyed during the first half of 2026. Current estimates suggest there are approximately 750,000 illegal settlers residing across 194 settlements and 400 outposts in the territory. This ongoing situation follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice in July 2024, which declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements.
