Israeli Military Investigates Disturbing Incident in West Bank Amid Ongoing Clashes

Tragedy Unfolds in Qabatya The Israeli military is currently investigating a shocking incident involving soldiers who allegedly threw bodies from a rooftop during a military operation in the northern occupied West Bank on Thursday. This operation, which the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described as a “counterterrorism” effort, reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven people, according to Palestinian authorities.

Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
Residents of Qabatya, near Jenin, captured the incident on video from various angles, and an Associated Press reporter was present to witness the events. The footage shows three Israeli soldiers on a rooftop, appearing to push a body over the edge. The body became entangled in cables, but one soldier managed to dislodge it, leading to the body falling to the ground below. A second body was then swung and tossed off the building, followed by a third body that was kicked off.

The IDF stated, “This is a serious incident that does not coincide with IDF values and the expectations from IDF soldiers. The incident is under review.” Under international law, militaries are obligated to treat the bodies of enemy combatants with dignity and return them to their families.

Local Reactions and Claims
Kamal Abu Al-Roub, the governor of Jenin, reported that the Israeli military had taken four bodies from Qabatya. He described efforts by soldiers to remove the bodies from the roof, stating that they kicked and pushed the bodies off.

Earlier in the day, the IDF claimed that its soldiers engaged in gunfire with militants, resulting in the deaths of four combatants. No injuries to IDF personnel were reported. However, it remains unclear whether the individuals seen in the video were among those mentioned by the IDF.

Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti condemned the treatment of the bodies, labeling it a “barbaric act” that reflects the brutality of the occupying forces.

Ongoing Violence and Casualties
The violence in Qabatya continued with reports of heavy gunfire and clashes between militants and Israeli security forces well into the evening. Earlier in the day, a Palestinian militant was seen firing from rooftops, while another video showed an Israeli soldier firing at a motionless body.

The situation escalated further when an Israeli airstrike targeted a vehicle in the area, which the IDF claimed was carrying armed militants. The recent uptick in military operations in the West Bank has resulted in significant casualties, with over 700 people reported killed since October 7, including more than 150 children, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported treating eight individuals injured by live ammunition, with two in critical condition.