TAMMUN, West Bank (AP) — In a tragic incident reported in the northern West Bank, Israeli soldiers opened fire on a car carrying a family, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including two children. The Palestinian Authority's Health Ministry confirmed the casualties, identifying the victims as Ali and Waed Odeh along with two of their four children. The family was struck in the head by gunfire, while the surviving children sustained shrapnel injuries, raising serious concerns over the accessibility and timeliness of medical assistance in the aftermath.
First responders from the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that they faced delays in reaching the scene due to restrictions allegedly imposed by Israeli forces. Witnesses emphasized that the family was not involved in any hostile activity and was returning from a mall in Nablus after shopping for clothes to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. The emotional toll of the incident was felt deeply, with Najah al-Subhi, the grandmother, expressing her grief over the loss of her son and grandchildren.
Israeli military officials contended that their forces acted in self-defense, claiming the vehicle accelerated towards them in the town of Tammun. A joint statement from the Israeli military and police indicated that they were pursuing suspects connected to "terrorist activity" at the time of the shooting, and they confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway.
Sameer Basharat, the mayor of Tammun, highlighted the ongoing tensions in the area, noting that the Israeli army maintains a continuous presence in the town. He mentioned a worsening situation for residents, who have faced evictions, restricted access to agricultural land, and frequent military operations over the past year. This has significantly affected the living conditions and livelihoods of the local population, compounded by the sorrow stemming from the tragedy that befell the Odeh family.
The Israeli rights group B’tselem criticized the manner in which the situation unfolded, asserting that the Odeh family's car was struck by numerous bullets. The group also reported that one of the surviving children was subjected to violent interrogation by Israeli forces. They emphasized the lack of accountability for Israeli soldiers accused of causing harm to Palestinians, citing that fewer than 1% of allegations result in indictments, based on complaints submitted between 2016 and 2024.
This incident adds to the list of casualties in the occupied West Bank amidst escalating violence. Since the onset of the Iran war, the conflict has intensified, with Israeli settlers and soldiers reportedly killing at least eight Palestinians. Reports indicate that movement across the West Bank has been restricted, characterized by the closure of checkpoints and barriers, placing significant strain on emergency response systems.
Yesh Din, another human rights organization, noted the alarming surge in settler violence in Palestinian communities, documenting 109 incidents since the escalation of hostilities. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has also reported rising casualties, with 18 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the conflict's escalation in February 2026, including fatalities attributed to settler violence.
The circumstances surrounding the Odeh family's deaths highlight the broader context of violence and tension in the region, raising questions about the safety and rights of Palestinian civilians amidst ongoing military operations and settlements. The community continues to mourn, grappling with the consequences of the incident while seeking justice and accountability for those affected.
