Israel Kills Another Unarmed Boy In Balata Camp

Israeli Soldiers Kill the Second Unarmed Palestinian in Balata in Two Days

Unarmed, Fourteen Year-Old Shot Dead in the Balata Refugee Camp during the Israeli Military's Nightly Incursion: Military Jeeps Still Present in Balata

[Balata, Nablus] At approximately 8:15 PM this evening, 14 year-old Hussam Abu Zaytuna was shot and killed in the cemetery of the Balata refugee camp in Nablus. International and Palestinian medical volunteers reached Hussam's body five minutes after the shooting, but he was already dead at this time. Eyewitness volunteers (both Palestinian and international) report that Hussam was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

Two Israeli military vehicles were seen entering Balata at 6:30 PM, and they continued to enter and exit the refugee camp provoking the young boys who were shooting stones at the vehicles. After dark, the military vehicles turned on their headlights and drove in the direction of the cemetery. Israeli snipers that were positioned on nearby rooftops opened fire in the direction of the cemetery with live ammunition. It was at this time that people on the scene believe Hussam was shot.

At this time (9:00 PM), there are confirmed reports of one house being occupied in Balata, and a second home is also reported to be occupied. The Israeli military still maintains a presence in Balata at this time.

The killing of Hussam comes only two days after 20 year-old Yasser Khalil Tantawi, was executed by Israeli forces while standing unarmed the streets of Balata. In the past month, approximately 30 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during their nightly incursions. While the Israeli forces may claim that they are continuing these daily incursions to collect and kill 'wanted' men, many innocent, unarmed Palestinians such as Yasser and Hussam are being killed.

For more information, please contact:

Henrik (medical volunteer): +972.65.473.015 Mohammed (Balata): +972.52.223.374 Shora (ISM): +972.67.254.910

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