Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian man north of Ramallah, identified by the Palestinian Health Ministry as 34‑year‑old Ammar Hijazi of Nablus. Wafa reported he was shot while driving, and the Israeli military reportedly detained a child in Mukhmas. Authorities say settler violence in the West Bank has intensified, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir approved gun licences for 18 more settlements — a step critics say strengthens illegal outposts and undermines the two‑state solution.
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Man North Of Ramallah As West Bank Violence Escalates
Israeli soldiers patrol during a weekly tour by settlers in Hebron in the occupied West Bank on January 24, 2026 [Mussa Qawasma/Reuters]
Israeli forces fatally shot a Palestinian man north of Ramallah on Sunday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said, in an incident that comes amid rising violence across the occupied West Bank and Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which some critics have described as 'genocidal'.
The ministry identified the victim as Ammar Hijazi, 34, from Nablus. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Hijazi was shot while driving his vehicle.
In a separate development, Wafa said the Israeli military detained a child in the village of Mukhmas in the central West Bank.
Settler Violence and Policy Changes
Palestinian officials and rights groups say Israeli soldiers and settlers have stepped up operations and attacks against Palestinians across the West Bank, even as Israel expands settlements in the territory — actions widely regarded as illegal under international law. Settler attacks have reportedly included assaults on families, the injury of civilians and the destruction of property.
Near Hebron on Sunday, settlers allegedly attacked a Palestinian family and injured a woman, one of several recent incidents that Palestinian sources say reflect growing impunity for settler violence, sometimes with military presence or backing.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir this week approved the issuance of gun licences to Israelis in 18 additional West Bank settlements. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has also pushed to expand outposts — moves critics say further undermine prospects for a negotiated two‑state solution.
Note: Details in this report are based on statements from the Palestinian Ministry of Health and the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Israeli authorities have not issued an immediate public statement on the shooting.
Help us improve.
