Shocking scenes: Disabled Palestinian shot by IDF
3:08 PM EST, December 6, 2023
A mentally disabled Palestinian was shot by a man in military uniform near the occupied city of Hebron in the West Bank, states CNN. The unidentified man was confirmed to be an Israeli soldier hailing from Tel Aviv. The disturbing incident was reportedly documented and later verified by CNN. "His cognitive abilities are akin to those of a child...Everyone in the area knew about his mental condition," says the brother of the victim.
As per CNN, Tarek Abu Abed, affectionately known as "Ghazzawi", was apprehended upon returning home last Tuesday. "Three men in military uniforms stopped him for identification," recounts Tarek's brother, Diaa Abu Abed. "Anyone who meets Tarek can tell he has special needs. His cognitive abilities are akin to those of a child," Diaa added.
"Israeli soldiers were involved in the confrontation", confirm Israelis
Upon informing the soldiers that he didn't have his identification document with him, a conflict ensued, resulting in a shot being fired, according to Diaa.
Diaa maintains that the uniformed individuals were members of the Israeli Armed Forces.
"Albeit it's common knowledge that some Israeli settlers adorn military uniforms and possess military-grade assault rifles, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later came forward, confirming to CNN that the encounter featured Israeli soldiers," emphasizes CNN.
The Military Police, as claimed by IDF, are currently investigating the matter.
"Based on the information presently available, it appears that a Palestinian was shot in the leg during today's inspection near the city of Hebron and subsequently received emergency medical aid," stated the IDF.
CNN verified the recording of the incident posted online. As per their report, the incident occurred near the town of Sidet Qalqas, south of Hebron.
Disturbing scenes unfold in the West Bank
The recording depicts three men in military uniform, standing over a man who is kneeling down, with Tarek's friend standing closeby in a red shirt.
"The man in the red shirt was trying to explain Tarek's special needs to the Israeli soldiers," relates Diaa. "He's widely known in the community for his mental disability. He made the soldiers aware of this, but they chose not to listen," he alleges.
The situation in the footage takes a distressing turn, with the men making sudden movements, followed by the firing of a shot and audible screaming.
Surge in Israeli aggression: Increasing count of Palestinian victims
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society, in its statement on Tuesday, reported transporting a 34-year-old man with a gunshot injury in his leg from Qalqas to a nearby hospital. The man was prepared for surgical intervention.
Since October 7th, at least 256 Palestinians have fallen victim to Israeli aggression, either at the hands of Israeli soldiers or settlers, in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, as stated by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
