May 7th, 2021: Abdullah Khaled Da’bas, 20, was killed by Israeli forces along with Mohammad Ayman Fathi, 20, near the Salem Israeli military roadblock, close to the northern West Bank city of Jenin. A third Palestinian was injured by gunshot wounds inflicted by the Israeli troops. The injured Palestinian has been identified as Ahmad Bashir Foqaha, 19.The Israeli army claimed the Palestinians fired live rounds at the soldiers and were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire.
Israeli media sources said the exchange of fire took place at a bus stop near the Salem colonialist outpost, outside the Salem military base.
They added that the Palestinians allegedly used improvised Carl Gustav rifles (known as Carlos) in the attack, before they were shot and killed, and stated that the incident did not lead to any injuries among the soldiers.
Following the shooting, Palestinian ambulances rushed to the scene, but the soldiers did not allow them to reach the Palestinians.
Israeli Ynet News said two of the Palestinians were instantly killed during the exchange of fire, and one was injured before he was taken to the HaEmek hospital in Afula, where his condition has been described as very serious.
It is worth mentioning that some Israeli media agencies initially reported that three Palestinians were shot dead.
Following the fatal shooting, the soldiers closed the entire area, forced the Palestinians away, and attacked Palestinian journalists.
Israeli military analysts said the shooting could just be the start of a serious escalation in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, and added that the shooting seems to have been carried out by a small cell, however, could be the start for more escalation especially amidst the increasing tension in Jerusalem.
Abdullah was from Shweika area in Tulkarem. Source: IMEMC