Daijiworld Media Network - Jenin

Jenin, Dec 21: Israeli forces shot dead two Palestinians, including a teenage boy, during separate military raids in the Jenin governorate of the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said, triggering fresh outrage over the use of lethal force.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said 16-year-old Rayyan Abdel Qader was killed late Saturday after Israeli troops stormed the town of Qabatiya. In a separate incident, 22-year-old Ahmad Zayoud was shot dead in Silat al-Harithiya, west of Jenin.

According to Palestinian news agency Wafa, witnesses said Israeli soldiers opened fire directly at Abdel Qader and prevented ambulance crews from reaching him, leaving him bleeding for several minutes before he succumbed to his injuries. His body was reportedly taken away by Israeli forces.

The health ministry said Zayoud was shot in the chest during the raid. A 15-year-old boy also sustained injuries to his hand in the same incident.

CCTV footage from Qabatiya, cited by local sources, allegedly shows Israeli soldiers shooting Abdel Qader at close range as he walked towards what residents said was his home. The footage has intensified allegations of extrajudicial killings by Israeli forces in the occupied territory.

The killing of Zayoud comes barely a week after another 16-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in the same area.

Palestinian families expressed anguish over the incidents, saying they were unaware of any actions by the victims that could justify the use of lethal force. Rights groups and local residents have repeatedly accused Israeli forces of using excessive force during raids across the West Bank.

Violence in the Jenin area has surged in recent months, with frequent military operations leading to casualties among Palestinians, including minors.