Israel Kills Two Teenagers in West Bank

The Palestinian Authority stated on Thursday that Israeli forces shot and killed two 15-year-old boys in the occupied West Bank, whereas Isr...

The Palestinian Authority stated on Thursday that Israeli forces shot and killed two 15-year-old boys in the occupied West Bank, whereas Israel referred to them as "terrorists" who were trying to execute an attack.

A rise in settler aggression has been observed throughout the West Bank in recent weeks, prompting global backlash and unexpected disapproval from within the Israeli military and administration.

"Recently, IDF soldiers near the village of Karmei Zur neutralized two terrorists who were en route to commit an attack," the military stated in a release, offering no further information.

Palestinian officials also failed to disclose any information.

The fatalities occurred as Israel announced it had received the body of one of the final four captives held in Gaza from the Red Cross on Thursday, under the terms of the truce agreement with Hamas.

It later stated that forensic experts had verified the body belonged to Meny Godard, who was killed at the age of 73 on the day of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

In the meantime, the Palestinian foreign ministry based in Ramallah reported that Israeli settlers set fire to the Hajja Hamida mosque located near the town of Deir Istiya in the northern region.

"This openly breaches the sacredness of religious sites and highlights the entrenched racism fueling the settlers who are shielded by the ruling administration," the ministry stated.

Photos from the scene by AFP showed burned copies of the Quran and walls stained with smoke, along with graffiti on the mosque's wall.

The Israeli defense forces stated that security personnel were sent to the location after receiving "a report and video... concerning individuals who set a mosque on fire and sprayed graffiti."

In a statement, it mentioned that no individuals were identified following an investigation into the incident, which was referred to the Israeli police and intelligence agency.

"The IDF rejects all types of violence and will keep functioning to ensure the safety and stability in the region," it stated.

– ‘Red line’ –

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the attack, as his representative stated that "such acts of violence and disrespect toward religious places are not acceptable."

"Such events are part of a growing trend of extremist violence that is escalating conflicts and needs to end right away," said spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

A fire attack occurred on Thursday, one day after the head of the Israeli military promised to stop violent acts by settlers.

"We know about the recent violent events where Israeli civilians targeted Palestinians and Israelis. I strongly denounce these actions," said Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir in a statement.

"These actions go against our principles, exceed a critical boundary, and shift the focus of our soldiers away from their duties," he stated.

Israel has maintained control over the West Bank since 1967, with over 500,000 Israeli residents residing in settlements there.

A small number of Israelis participate in violent acts against Palestinians, who claim that Israeli authorities typically do not detain settlers.

Every settlement located in the West Bank is considered unlawful according to international law.

This month, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that October 2025 marked the most severe period for settler violence since records began in 2006, with at least 264 incidents resulting in injuries or destruction of property.

Very few of the offenders have faced consequences from the Israeli authorities.

Tension has increased throughout the West Bank since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023.

At least 1,003 Palestinians, among them fighters, have died in the West Bank due to actions by Israeli forces or settlers since the conflict began, as reported by the Palestinian health ministry.

In the same timeframe, 43 Israelis, among them military personnel, have lost their lives due to Palestinian attacks in the West Bank, as reported by official Israeli statistics.

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