Palestinians say Israeli army killed 2 teenagers in West Bank

Two Palestinian teenagers were killed by the Israeli army in the West Bank village of Al-Mughayyir on Wednesday night, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The Israeli army claimed it fired in self-defense during a violent riot. The ministry reported that the victims, Omar Mohammad Naji al-Nassan, 19, and Khalil Rasem Khalil Shahada, 16, were critically wounded by live fire while confronting settlers.

These settlers allegedly attempted to steal sheep from two homes in the village, leading to a confrontation. The Israeli army deployed snipers inside buildings, who opened fire on residents attempting to intervene. The Palestinian Red Crescent confirmed the teenagers' deaths, stating they were critically injured in the neck and back.

The incident occurred amid a surge in violence in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza. Palestinian officials reported over 1,100 Palestinians, including militants, killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the war began, while Israeli authorities recorded at least 48 deaths, both civilians and security personnel, in West Bank attacks.