By Ahmed Asmar
ANKARA (AA) – The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Monday condemned the killing of a Palestinian toddler by Israeli forces.
“I condemn and am deeply saddened by the death of a 2-year-old Palestinian boy, who was critically injured by Israeli security forces’ gunfire in Al-Nabi Saleh,” said Tor Wennesland on Twitter.
He added that “civilians and particularly children continue to bear the brunt of this conflict” and urged the Israeli authorities to bring “those responsible to be held to account.”
Earlier in the day, the Palestinian Health Ministry announced the death of two-year-old Mohammad Tamimi, who was seriously injured on Thursday when Israeli forces opened fire on a car in the town of Nabi Saleh near Ramallah West Bank. His father was also injured in the attack.
The Israeli army said an initial investigation showed that two Palestinian gunmen allegedly opened fire on a nearby settlement with Israeli forces responding to the gunfire.
The army said the toddler was mistakenly shot and regretted “harm to (noncombatants) and works to prevent such incidents.”
The child’s father, however, denied the Israeli narrative, saying there was no exchange of fire in the area and accused Israeli forces of directly opening fire on his car.
Israeli Ynet News claimed the toddler and his father were shot by Palestinian fighters who “fired at an Israel military position near the settlement of Neve Zuf and allegedly injured two Palestinians.”
Tensions have been running high across the occupied West Bank in recent months amid repeated Israeli raids into Palestinian towns.
According to Palestinian figures, more than 155 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year. At least 21 Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.
According to Palestinian figures, more than 155 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year. At least 21 Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.
*Writing by Ahmed Asmar
Additional report by imemc.org
[Photo: Palestinian Hassam at-Tamimi lays on a hospital bed as he gives an exclusive interview about the Israeli attack, in which he and his 2-year-old son Mohammed Tamimi injured [ who died on 5 June], in the village of Nabi Saleh , northwest of Ramallah city, West Bank on June 2, 2023.
Photojournalist :Issam Rimawi/AA]
