Tragic Incident: Young Palestinian Boy Fatally Shot While Holding Firework in East Jerusalem
A heartbreaking video captures the moment a 12-year-old Palestinian boy is struck by a fatal gunshot from Israeli border police while holding a lit firework. The footage shows the firework launching into the sky as the boy collapses to the ground, highlighting the devastating consequences of the incident.
A border police officer in Shuafat refugee camp in occupied east Jerusalem shot and killed a 12-year-old Palestinian boy, as confirmed by hospital officials and an Israeli police spokesperson.
In a video obtained by CNN, the boy – Rami Al Halhouli – is shown holding a lit firework above his head. A single gunshot is heard, followed by the boy falling to the ground as the firework launches into the sky from his hand.
The Israeli police spokesperson stated that police responded to a "violent disturbance" at the refugee camp. A border police officer fired towards a suspect who was endangering the forces by shooting aerial fireworks in their direction.
This incident occurred on the third night of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims. In previous years, Ramadan has been a time of tension in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Individuals on Tuesday night threw Molotov cocktails and fired fireworks directly at security forces, according to the police spokesperson.
In the video of Al Halhouli holding the firework, no security forces are visible. The boy seems to be standing in front of the West Bank separation barrier.
In a second video filmed from above the scene after he is shot, the boy is lying on the ground as several people gather around him, while a woman screams and calls his name.
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Israeli police reported that Palestinians in Shuafat continued to throw Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police forces for the second consecutive night.
A spokesperson mentioned that additional Border Guard forces, including undercover units, were sent to the area to address the threats and maintain peace by preventing any further violent disruptions.
CNN has requested additional evidence from the police regarding the reported disturbances at the refugee camp on Tuesday.
Al Halhouli was brought to the trauma unit at Hadassah Mount Scopus hospital in critical condition and unfortunately passed away shortly after, according to hospital officials speaking to CNN.
The police spokesperson reported that there were no injuries among the Israeli forces who broke up the protesters at the Shuafat camp.
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, praised the soldier who fatally shot the young boy in a Telegram post.
Ben-Gvir expressed his support for the Border Guard fighters bravely facing Arab rioters in Shu’fat, risking their lives in the line of duty.
He also commended the soldier who successfully neutralized a terrorist attempting to shoot fireworks at him and his fellow troops, emphasizing the importance of responding to such threats with determination and precision.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic death of 12-year-old Rami Al Halhouli highlights the complexities and human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The video footage raises questions about the proportionality of the Israeli response, with no visible threat posed to security forces. This incident occurred during a sensitive time, the holy month of Ramadan, which has historically been marked by tensions. The praise for the soldier's actions by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir further underscores the political polarization surrounding this issue. Independent investigations and impartial assessments are crucial to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future. further inflames tensions. Ben-Gvir's far-right views and support for a hardline stance against Palestinians contribute to an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. The Israeli government must take steps to address the root causes of violence, promote dialogue, and protect the rights and safety of both Israelis and Palestinians.
