Palestinian shot in the head; epitome of brutal Israeli practices: BBC

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: BBC
2 Sep 2023 16:29

Ameed al-Jaghoub clings to life in an intensive care unit after getting shot in the back of the head by Israeli occupation forces in Beita.

An Israeli soldier looking through the scope of his sniper in the occupied Golan, Syria on February 27, 2020 (AFP)

Footage of the shooting of Ameed al-Jaghoub, a Palestinian man from the town of Beita near Nablus, depicts the "clearest documentation" of the "use of lethal force" by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians, the BBC reported.

Al-Jaghoub is seen in a video widely circulated on social media rushing to assist a fellow Palestinian who had been shot by the IOF after storming their hometown. A single gunshot is then heard as al-Jaghoub, who was clearly unarmed, drops to the ground and crumples forward.

The 33-year-old was shot in the back of the head by an Israeli sniper -- a tactic used commonly against unarmed civilians and journalists in the occupied West Bank.

Nearly two weeks after the incident, al-Jaghoub remains in critical condition, clinging to life in an intensive care unit.

BBC described his shooting as "the clearest documentation in recent years of the use of lethal force by Israeli troops against an unarmed Palestinian."

According to the British broadcaster, his case joins a growing list spotlighted by human rights organizations, who decry the "unjustified" application of force, reaching record levels since the Second Intifada.

Al-Jaghoub's killing is among countless acts of violence committed by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians that include mob violence, targeting of civilians, and continued illegal aggressions against Palestinian towns. Beita has become one of those towns too familiar with such Israeli incursions, specifically after an illegal (under both international and Israeli law) settlement that the Israelis dubbed "Evyatar" was built in May 2021.

Prospects are grim for Ameed

Medical professionals express grim prospects for al-Jaghoub's survival, and his family clings to hope for a miraculous recovery, although they understand that if he does survive, severe brain damage is awaiting him. Intensive care specialist Dr. Sufwan Fayyad, speaking to the BBC, unequivocally states, "This man was shot with the intent to kill."

On August 21, Israeli troops stormed Beita with the objective of abducting a resident. According to local accounts, the military believed the resident's family possessed information pertaining to the whereabouts of certain Resistance fighters.

In the video footage, al-Jaghoub can be seen, moments before being struck, heading toward a group attempting to place a wounded man onto a stretcher.

Earlier, a member of the Israeli special forces purportedly approached another resident, Mahmoud Elian, and allegedly declared in Hebrew, "Go and tell these children to get away from here because I'm here to kill." This statement was reportedly repeated twice, as Israeli officials did not respond to inquiries from the BBC regarding the remarks.

In a statement, the IOF claimed a "violent riot" was taking place in Beita that posed a threat to the lives of the security forces present. They claimed that as the "unrest" escalated, so did their response, including the use of 22 ammunition and live fire with confirmed hits.

Israeli settlers brutally attacked #Palestinians during their provocative "Flag March" as they chanted racist slogans. Israeli occupation forces also assaulted Palestinians who were confronting the provocative march.#Palestine #AlQuds pic.twitter.com/MW9PDF7lTc
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 18, 2023

His father, Ghaleb, laments by saying "This is a cruel and cowardly act because he was on his way to perform a humanitarian act. He was not carrying a stone or a weapon or anything."

"His (Ameed's) children are young and don't understand what's happening, but they ask about him all the time," Ghaleb said as he held his son Yanal in his arms.

Despite occupation authorities announcing reviews of similar incidents, the overwhelming majority do not result in prosecutions or meaningful persecution of perpetrators.

US condemns "Israel" from afar

In al-Jaghoub's case, the US State Department, which has recently been more vocal about some Israeli actions, especially as tensions brew between Biden's administration and "Israel's" right-wing government, expressed alarm over the report of "an Israeli shooting an unarmed Palestinian civilian from behind as the latter was walking away from an Israeli position." The Department called for a thorough investigation and full accountability.

With that said, al-Jaghoub's brother, who has been visiting his bedside daily, expresses doubt about any meaningful international intervention. He confirms, "The world will do nothing for us. We always appeal to the international community, but unfortunately, the Israeli attacks are increasing."