Investigation Launched Over Incident in Qalandiya Refugee Camp
Israeli police have initiated an investigation following the release of CCTV footage depicting a border police officer throwing a stun grenade into a vehicle carrying young Palestinians during a raid at the Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.
The footage, recorded on Sunday and published by the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem, shows the officer approaching the car and shouting at its occupants.
After a brief verbal exchange, the officer reaches for his belt, retrieves a stun grenade, and pushes the car door shut as the driver attempts to exit. The officer is heard shouting:
“Shut your mouth. Who are you talking to like that?”
Shortly thereafter, the grenade detonates, producing a cloud of smoke. The two passengers exit the vehicle through the opposite side, while the officer appears to fire his rifle as they take cover. B’Tselem confirmed that all individuals inside the car survived the incident.
Authorities stated that the officer's actions were "not in accordance with procedure" and that the Justice Ministry’s department responsible for investigating police officers is managing the case. The officer has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Stun grenades are intended to disorient targets through a bright flash and loud blast but can cause serious injuries, especially when detonated at close proximity.
Context of Violence in the West Bank
Since 2020, at least 1,175 Palestinian civilians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the occupied West Bank, according to data. At least 300 of those killed were minors. No charges have been filed in connection with these deaths.
During the same raid at the Qalandiya refugee camp, Israeli forces reportedly killed Walid Abu Sneineh and wounded three other Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The ministry also reported that two Palestinian children sustained injuries to their lower limbs from gunfire during the incident.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these events.
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Recent Related Incidents
Late on Sunday, Ahmad Marouf Zaid, an infant, died after Israeli forces reportedly prevented his family from crossing a checkpoint to reach an ambulance, according to the family’s account shared with .
The family was compelled to transport the critically ill baby over unpaved, mountainous roads to Ramallah, resulting in a treatment delay exceeding one hour.
An IDF spokesperson denied allegations that the family was obstructed from crossing to obtain medical assistance.
Last week, during another Israeli military raid in Ramallah, the military killed Amir Ahmad Jaber.
Yuli Novak, executive director of B’Tselem, commented on the situation:
“The widespread and unprecedented killing of Palestinian children and teenagers in the West Bank is the result of a broader Israeli policy that allows the killing of Palestinians and violent abuse against them without any accountability.”
