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Video shows Palestinian activist killed as a settler fires
A new rights group video appears to show a Palestinian activist killed as an Israeli settler fires during a confrontation in the West Bank
A new video released by B'Tselem appears to show a Palestinian activist killed as a settler fires toward him during a confrontation in the West Bank.
Video shows Palestinian activist killed as a settler fires
New video released by the Israeli rights group B'Tselem appears to show Yinon Levi, an Israeli settler, firing a handgun toward a man filming a confrontation between settlers and unarmed Palestinians in Umm al-Khair on July 28. The footage, obtained from Hathaleen's family, shows Levi firing twice and the camera continuing to roll as the wounded man moans. Awdah Hathaleen, 31, an activist and father of three who is said to have filmed the incident, was killed in the shooting. Witnesses told the Associated Press that Levi fired at Hathaleen.
Levi was briefly detained and then released from house arrest after an Israeli court cited lack of evidence. His lawyer said Levi acted in self defense and the judge barred contact with villagers for a month. B'Tselem notes that Levi helped establish a settler outpost near Umm al-Khair and that residents have long faced violence linked to such outposts. The incident occurred as an excavator from a nearby settlement moved toward the village's water line, drawing residents to block the machine. The police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key Takeaways
"Awdah’s killing is another horrific example of how Palestinians, both in Gaza and in the West Bank, are currently living without any sort of protection, fully exposed to Israeli violence, while Israeli soldiers or settlers can kill them in broad daylight and enjoy full impunity while the world watches."
Statement from Sarit Michaeli of B'Tselem
"Levi acted in self-defense"
Assertion by Avichai Hajbi, Levi's lawyer
"He's urging the district court to investigate Levi for more serious crimes."
Comment by Eitan Peleg, Hathaleen's family lawyer
The case underscores the persistence of violence linked to settlements in the West Bank and the fragility of protections for Palestinians in volatile areas. Rights groups have long warned that authorities struggle to hold settlers to account, which can fuel cycles of violence. The release of the video adds to international scrutiny of settlement activity and questions about how quickly investigations translate into accountability. If sustained, such footage may intensify political debate over settlement policy, law enforcement, and the balance between security and civilian protection.
Highlights
- Witness video can spark justice or burn up the debate.
- Violence in daylight demands accountability now.
- Impunity travels fastest where protections fail.
- The camera is a witness and a summons for action.
Risk: political sensitivity around coverage of West Bank violence
The article engages a highly sensitive political topic that can provoke backlash, political debate, and scrutiny from different sides. It raises questions about accountability for settlers and the protection of Palestinians, which can lead to contested interpretations and increased public reaction.
Time will tell if this footage changes the way such cases are treated.
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