Footage captures uniformed man shooting mentally disabled Palestinian in West Bank
Disturbing video reveals an alarming incident in the West Bank, as a man dressed in military fatigues callously shoots and injures a mentally disabled Palestinian near Hebron The shocking footage sheds light on the deeply concerning situation in the occupied territory
A video reviewed by CNN on Tuesday depicts a man in military attire shooting and injuring a mentally disabled Palestinian near the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. According to Tarek Abu Abed's brother Diaa, who spoke to CNN over the phone, Tarek, also known as "Ghazzawi," was halted on his way home by three men in military clothing who requested identification.
"Tarek's special needs are evident to anyone who meets him," commented Diaa Abu Abed. "His thought processes are similar to those of a child's."
According to his brother, Tarek Abu Abed was involved in an argument with the men after informing them that he did not have any identification, which ultimately led to Tarek being shot.
Diaa Abu Abed recognized the individuals who detained his brother as members of the Israeli military. Although some Israeli settlers are known to wear military clothing and have access to assault rifles, the IDF later confirmed to CNN that Israeli soldiers were involved in an altercation with a mentally disabled man near Hebron on Tuesday. The IDF stated that its Military Police were investigating the incident.
The IDF reported that a Palestinian was shot in the leg during a check near Hebron and was taken for medical treatment. CNN was able to locate the incident near the town of Sidet Qalqas, south of Hebron.
A video captured the events following Tarek's claim of not having identification, showing three men in military attire standing over a man on his hands and knees, alongside another man in a red shirt, confirmed by Diaa as Tarek's friend. Diaa Abu Abed explained, "The man in the red shirt in the video came to defend Tarek and inform the Israeli soldiers that my brother has special needs. He is well-known in the community for his mental disabilities. However, the soldiers refused to listen."
The men pointed their rifles at Tarek Abu Abed, shouting as local residents watched. Abu Abed tried to stand up, appearing agitated as he approached one of the men. Another man came from behind. A gunshot echoed, and Abu Abed fell to the ground, writhing in pain as two men kept their weapons trained on him.
Diaa Abu Abed was called by an onlooker and quickly arrived at the scene. The Palestine Red Crescent Society stated on Tuesday that they had transported a 34-year-old man with a leg wound from Qalqas to the hospital.
Tarek Abu Abed's brother reported that he underwent surgery for heavy bleeding in his leg.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has extended into the West Bank, resulting in settler attacks and clashes that have led to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.
At least 256 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or Israeli settlers in the West Bank and east Jerusalem since October 7, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
