A tragic shooting in the occupied West Bank has left a Palestinian family devastated, with a 12-year-old survivor recounting how his parents and two younger brothers were killed as they returned home.
Family caught in deadly shooting
The victims were identified as Ali Khaled Bani Odeh (37), his wife Waad (35), and their sons Mohammed and Othman. The family was travelling near the village of Tammun after a shopping trip when the incident occurred shortly after midnight.
According to the Israeli army, its forces opened fire after the vehicle allegedly accelerated towards them during an operation targeting suspected militants.
Survivor recounts harrowing moments
Khaled Bani Odeh, one of the surviving children, described the moments after the shooting, saying he initially believed he was the only one left alive.
He alleged that after the attack, he was pulled from the vehicle, questioned and beaten by personnel. Another child, eight-year-old Mustafa, survived with injuries caused by shattered glass.
Witness disputes official account
A local resident who witnessed the incident challenged the army’s version, stating that the car had come to a complete stop before shots were fired and that no warning was issued.
Emergency responders at the scene reported extensive gunfire damage, with numerous bullet casings recovered from the area.
Calls for investigation
The Israeli army has said the incident is under investigation. Advocacy voices and political figures have called for accountability, particularly over the deaths of children.
The tragedy has intensified scrutiny over rules of engagement in the West Bank and the use of force in civilian areas.
Rising tensions in region
The incident comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing violence in the West Bank. According to UN data, hundreds of Palestinians, including many children, have been killed since October 2023.
The deaths have added to growing concerns over civilian safety and the humanitarian impact of the conflict.