In November of last year, two Palestinian boys were shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank. The BBC conducted an investigation into the events leading up to the killings and found evidence that suggests serious human rights violations may have occurred. The incident has sparked outrage among legal experts and human rights activists, with some calling it a “war crime” and others describing the use of lethal force as “indiscriminate”. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the circumstances of the deaths are under review, but maintain that live fire is only used to remove immediate threats or for arrest purposes.
The tragic events unfolded on a street in Jenin, a city in the West Bank where the boys were often seen playing together. Witnesses reported that gunfire had been heard from a nearby operation by the Israeli army in the Jenin refugee camp, causing the boys to become uneasy. As a convoy of armored military vehicles approached, several of the boys started to move away. Mobile phone footage captured the moment when at least 11 gunshots rang out, resulting in the deaths of 15-year-old Basil and eight-year-old Adam.
A detailed examination of the scene revealed that the bullets struck a wide area, hitting a metal pole, the shutter of a hardware store, a parked car, and a handrail. Medical reports obtained by the BBC showed that Basil was shot in the chest, while Adam was struck in the back of the head as he tried to run away. Despite efforts by Adam’s older brother to save him, both boys succumbed to their injuries. Before the shooting, Basil was seen clutching something in his hand, which the IDF later claimed was an explosive device.
Independent experts who analyzed the evidence shared by the BBC raised concerns about the legality of the use of lethal force in this case. Some experts pointed to potential violations of international law and called for a thorough investigation into the incident. The IDF maintains that the soldiers acted in self-defense, as they believed the suspects were about to hurl explosives at them, putting their lives in danger. However, video evidence and witness testimony suggest that Adam, at least, was unarmed and running away at the time he was shot.
The deaths of Basil and Adam highlight a broader issue of accountability within the Israeli military. Former soldiers who reviewed the evidence expressed skepticism about the likelihood of criminal proceedings against the soldiers involved in the shooting. Data from Israeli human rights groups indicates that very few complaints against soldiers result in prosecutions. The lack of accountability raises concerns about the protection of human rights in the West Bank and raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in holding soldiers accountable for their actions.
