By V.E.K.Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Controversial Tactics Spark Outrage and Calls for Investigation
The Israeli military has acknowledged that its forces violated protocol by strapping a wounded Palestinian man to the front of their vehicle during a raid in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the incident after it was captured on video and circulated on social media. According to an IDF statement, the man was injured in an exchange of fire during the raid, in which he was a suspect.
The injured man's family reported that when they requested an ambulance, the army instead took him, secured him to the bonnet of their jeep, and drove off. The individual was eventually transferred to the Red Crescent for medical treatment. The IDF has stated that the incident will be investigated.
Eyewitnesses identified the man as a local resident named Mujahed Azmi. The IDF's statement detailed the events: "This morning [Saturday], during counter terrorism operations to apprehend wanted suspects in the area of Wadi Burqin, terrorists opened fire at IDF troops, who responded with fire. During the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was injured and apprehended. In violation of orders and standard operating procedures, the suspect was taken by the forces while tied on top of a vehicle. The conduct of the forces in the video of the incident does not conform to the values of the IDF. The incident will be investigated and dealt with accordingly."
Violence in the West Bank has surged since the onset of the war in the Gaza Strip, triggered by Hamas's deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7. According to the UN, at least 480 Palestinians comprising members of armed groups, attackers, and civilians have been killed in conflict related incidents in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Additionally, ten Israelis, including six security forces personnel, have also been killed in the West Bank.