Bethlehem: A Palestinian man was killed on Friday night after being shot by Israeli occupation forces near the town of Beit Fajjar, south of Bethlehem, according to the Ministry of Health.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Ministry of Health reported receiving information from the General Authority for Civil Affairs regarding the killing of an unidentified man by Israeli forces near Beit Fajjar. The body of the deceased remains withheld by the occupation forces.
Earlier reports from security sources to WAFA indicated that Israeli forces opened fire on the man at the western entrance to Beit Fajjar, allegedly for carrying a knife, before detaining him. At the time, no further details were available. Paramedics confirmed that Israeli forces sealed off the area completely, preventing medical personnel from accessing the scene, thus leaving them unable to determine if the man was injured before his detention.
In the broader context, alongside the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupation forces and settlers have increased their assaults across the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem. Official data indicates that since October 7, 2023, these actions have resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians, injuries to nearly 7,000, and the detention of more than 17,000 individuals.