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- A video showing Israeli soldiers throwing, pushing and kicking three Palestinians from the roof of a house in Qabatiya in the West Bank has sparked strong reactions.
- The United Nations and Human Rights Watch condemn these acts as inhumane.
- The IDF announced an investigation.
- More than 60 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli army raids in the West Bank since August.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that if confirmed, it clearly shows disgusting and intimidating behavior by professional soldiers. New York Times.
Kirby points to one of several videos circulating in recent days showing Israeli soldiers throwing, pushing and kicking three Palestinians from the roof of a house in the town of Qabatiya in the northern occupied West Bank.
Shooter
Other media, such as BBCHe had previously reported that the Palestinians — who were lying on the rafters, at least one of them blindfolded — were dead before they were thrown from the roof. The New York Times, based on its own investigation, says it cannot say for certain whether they are alive or dead.
Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian ambassador to London, claims that the three were alive before they were thrown from the roof.
– This is Israel's defense of itself, writes Zamlot. X.
Hummus fuss
One of the videos shows a soldier shooting a Palestinian who was lying on the roof.
– If confirmed, killing people with the intent to throw them off a building would constitute an unlawful execution, says Bill Van Esveld, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch.
He adds:
– Throwing bodies from rooftops would be considered cruel and inhuman treatment.
Reported to investigation
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric described the actions shown in the videos as “horrific and inhumane,” Reuters reported. CNN.
The IDF announced an investigation.
“This is a serious incident and does not conform to the values of the IDF and what we expect from IDF soldiers,” the statement said.
-Norway must choose
According to the WAFA news agency, a media outlet owned by the Palestinian Authority, the three Palestinians on the roof were among seven killed in a 10-hour raid by the Israeli army in Qabatiya, near the large Jenin refugee camp.
The IDF said it killed “four armed terrorists in an exchange of fire” during the operation. It was unclear whether they were referring to the people thrown from the roof.
– More than 60 dead
WAFA also reported that the gang transported the bodies of the Palestinians on an excavator on the ground before the IDF took them away.
The operation in Qabatiya is one of several Israeli military raids in the West Bank since August. According to the Israelis, these actions target Palestinian militants who are said to have increased the frequency of attacks against Israel.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 60 people have been killed in these raids since August 28. UN reports indicate that at least seven children are among the dead.