Rights group says video shows settler shooting Palestinian during West Bank clash
A new video capturing the final moments of Palestinian Awdah Hathaleen, who was killed during a confrontation with a settler, has been released by the B’Tselem human rights organization. The video footage shows Yinon Levi apparently shooting Hathaleen before he collapses. The incident took place in Umm al-Kheir in the southern West Bank on July 28. Levi, who has a history of alleged extremist acts against Palestinians, maintains that he acted in self-defense after being attacked by Palestinians throwing rocks.
Levi was initially arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide but was later released to house arrest and ultimately freed by a court, claiming that the evidence against him had weakened. Hathaleen, a human rights activist, filmed the incident himself just moments before his death. In the footage, Levi is seen confronting Palestinians during construction work, and after some individuals threw stones, Levi appears to fire towards the camera, causing Hathaleen to fall to the ground.
Another video from the scene depicts Levi and Palestinians engaged in a heated exchange, with Levi ultimately firing in the direction of the Palestinians. Sixteen Palestinians were arrested following the incident for stone-throwing, with four still in custody as of August 4. The Israeli military returned Hathaleen’s body to his family on August 7, following a hunger strike by women demanding its release. However, the army imposed conditions on holding the funeral, limiting it away from the village.
Hathaleen, who was 31 years old, was involved in the production of the Oscar-winning documentary film “No Other Land,” which focused on Palestinians’ efforts to prevent the destruction of their homes in Masafer Yatta, where Umm al-Kheir is located. His death has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Palestinian community and human rights organizations. He was a well-known figure in the West Bank activist community, and his untimely death has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict and violence in the region.
The release of the video footage by B’Tselem sheds new light on the circumstances surrounding Hathaleen’s death and raises further questions about the actions of settlers and the Israeli military in the occupied territories. The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinians living under occupation and the need for accountability and justice for victims of violence. The international community has called for a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.