Israeli forces kill disabled Palestinian during Gaza raid

Israeli forces shot and killed a 23-year-old disabled man, Muhammad Ahmad Masalma, during a raid in the occupied West Bank village of Beit Awa.

According to local reports, Israeli special forces stormed the village and surrounded a paint shop, where they arrested Thabet Masalma, a relative of the deceased.

During the operation, witnesses say Muhammad—who reportedly had learning difficulties—attempted to flee out of fear but was shot by Israeli forces.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as chaotic, with Muhammad’s movements prompting the soldiers to open fire.

He was injured and later transferred to Dura Governmental Hospital by a Palestinian ambulance, where the Ministry of Health confirmed his death.

The Israeli military later issued a statement claiming that the soldiers "sensed danger" during the raid, which led them to fire at Muhammad.

The raid came days after a shooting near Bethlehem’s Tunnels checkpoint, reportedly carried out by Muhammad’s relative, Izz Masalma.

The attack killed one Israeli settler and injured four others. Izz Masalma was arrested shortly after the incident.

Since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, violence and military operations in the West Bank have surged dramatically. The Ramallah-based Ministry of Health reports that at least 792 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers during this period.