JERUSALEM: The Tragic Afternoon in the West Bank
In the early afternoon of 29 November last year, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on a street in the occupied West Bank. Several Palestinian boys, who often played together in the area, were met with a tragic fate.
Minutes later, the lives of two boys, Basil, 15, and eight-year-old Adam, were cut short by gunshots fired by Israeli soldiers. The events of that day have sparked an investigation into the conduct of Israel’s security forces in the West Bank, a region that has been under military occupation for over fifty years.
Through a meticulous examination of mobile phone footage, CCTV recordings, witness testimonies, and detailed on-site investigations, the BBC has uncovered evidence suggesting serious human rights violations in the case of the two boys’ deaths.
A Potential War Crime?
The evidence uncovered by the BBC has led to strong statements from legal experts. Ben Saul, UN special rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, has labeled Adam’s death as a potential “war crime”. Another expert, Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne, described the use of lethal force as “indiscriminate”.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are “under review”. They maintain that live fire is only used in response to immediate threats or for arrest purposes, following strict protocols.
Surge in Violence
Following heightened tensions in the region since Hamas’s attack on Israel from Gaza, the BBC has also uncovered instances of violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. Reports of homes being vandalized, civilians threatened with weapons, and even the possible mutilation of a Palestinian gunman’s body have emerged.
Video footage from 29 November captures the moments leading up to the tragic incident. Basil and Adam, along with other boys, were on the street when Israeli military vehicles approached. Tensions escalated as the boys realized the danger they were in.
The Fatal Shots
As the situation intensified, gunshots rang out. Bullets struck various objects in the vicinity, with two hitting Basil in the chest and one fatally striking Adam in the back of the head as he tried to flee. The harrowing scene was captured on camera, showing the chaos and desperation that ensued.
Baha, Adam’s older brother, witnessed the tragic events unfold before his eyes. He recounted the devastating moment when he realized that his brother and friend had succumbed to their injuries.
International Scrutiny
The incident has raised concerns among international experts, who have called for a thorough investigation into the events that led to the boys’ deaths. Questions have been raised about the legality of the use of lethal force in such circumstances.
While the IDF maintains that their actions were in response to a perceived threat, the evidence suggests a different narrative. The international community, along with human rights organizations, continues to monitor the situation closely.
As the investigation unfolds, the world waits for answers and justice for Basil and Adam, whose lives were tragically cut short on that fateful afternoon in the West Bank.
