Israeli occupation forces have intensified their raids into Palestinian residential areas, frequently employing excessive force in densely populated civilian environments where even basic protections are absent, particularly for minors.
In this context, Israeli occupation forces fatally shot two Palestinian teenagers at dawn on Friday during a raid on the town of Kafr Aqab, north of Jerusalem.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, two individuals sustained critical injuries from live ammunition and were transferred to hospital, where the Ministry of Health later confirmed their deaths. The victims were identified as Amro Khaled Ahmad Al-Marboo’ (18 years old) and Sami Ibrahim Sami Mashayekh (16 years old).
Eyewitnesses reported that the Israeli occupation forces stormed the town, deploying foot patrols throughout the main streets, while snipers took position atop residential buildings. They opened fire on young men in the area, killing the two boys under circumstances that clearly indicate a lack of measures to minimise harm or prevent civilian casualties.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of excessive and, in particular, lethal force used in areas under occupation. Conducting military operations in densely populated Palestinian territories imposes an added legal responsibility on the occupying power, especially when children—who are protected under international law, are present.
Moreover, the use of live ammunition in civilian areas without clear justification and without adhering to the principles of proportionality and necessity constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law governing the conduct of hostilities involving civilians.
The issue of impunity is also deeply concerning. Rarely are independent or transparent investigations conducted into the deaths of minors or civilians during field operations, leading to repeated violations in the absence of effective deterrents. Without proper accountability mechanisms, such incidents become part of a systemic pattern of abuse that undermines the right to life and human dignity.
