In the early afternoon of November 29th last year, a tragic incident unfolded on a street in the occupied West Bank, where several Palestinian boys, accustomed to playing together, found themselves in the midst of danger. Within moments, two of them, Basil, aged 15, and eight-year-old Adam, lay lifeless, victims of gunfire allegedly unleashed by Israeli soldiers.
The evidence, comprising mobile phone recordings, CCTV footage, witness accounts, and meticulous scene analysis, paints a disturbing picture of potential human rights violations. UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, has labeled Adam’s death as a possible “war crime,” while legal expert Dr. Lawrence Hill-Cawthorne has criticized the use of lethal force as “indiscriminate.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are “under review,” asserting that live fire is employed solely to eliminate immediate threats or effectuate arrests, following strict protocols.
This tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of heightened violence in the West Bank, exacerbated by escalating tensions since Hamas’s attack on Israel from Gaza on October 7th. Reports by the UK’s National broadcaster, the UKs National broadcaster BBC, and other international broadcasters especially Aljazeera have reveal many additional distressing incidents, including vandalism of Palestinian homes, intimidation and terrorist tactics of civilians with weapons, threats and violence and alleged mutilation of a Palestinian gunman’s body!
The sequence of events leading to Basil and Adam’s deaths is chillingly recounted. CCTV footage captures the boys on the street, unaware of the impending danger. As an Israeli military convoy approaches, the boys grow visibly apprehensive, some attempting to flee. Then, in a harrowing moment captured on mobile phone footage, gunfire erupts from an armored vehicle, striking Basil and Adam.
The aftermath reveals the indiscriminate nature of the shooting, with bullets piercing various objects in the vicinity. Medical reports obtained by the BBC confirm the fatal injuries sustained by Basil and Adam, underscoring the devastating impact of the incident on their families and community.
This tragic episode serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the imperative of upholding international law to protect civilians, particularly children, from harm.
editor
Just before the Israeli government starts playing the anti-semite card lets exam the word The term “anti-Semitism” indeed can be misused or weaponized to deflect valid criticism of Israel or its policies. It’s crucial to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel’s actions and genuine anti-Semitism. Criticism of a nation’s policies, including those of Israel, should be evaluated based on the merits of the argument and not dismissed or labeled as anti-Semitic solely because of the subject matter. Genuine concerns about human rights violations, oppression, or discrimination should be addressed and discussed openly and constructively. It’s important to foster a dialogue that allows for nuanced discussions without resorting to accusations of prejudice. Especially when worldopinion is mounting against your actions and more and more nations are joining the demand that the killings must stop and the genocide should be exposed.