Israeli military operations in the occupied Palestinian territories have resulted in the deaths of two Palestinian teenagers in the West Bank and a photojournalist in Gaza, raising renewed concerns over human rights and the escalating humanitarian crisis.

On December 2, 2025, Israeli forces killed 17-year-old Muhannad al-Zughair in Hebron and 18-year-old Muhammad Asmar near Ramallah in separate incidents. The Israeli army claimed al-Zughair was involved in a ramming attack that injured two soldiers, while Asmar was alleged to have attempted a stabbing near a settlement.

Conflicting Reports on Circumstances of Deaths

Al Jazeera journalist Nour Odeh, reporting from Ramallah, highlighted that the full circumstances surrounding al-Zughair’s death remain unclear, as no official investigation has been launched. According to reports, al-Zughair was injured and fled toward Hebron, where he was later found and killed inside a car. His body is reportedly being withheld by Israeli authorities, a practice described by observers as “standard procedure.”

In the case of Asmar, Odeh noted that he was held by soldiers and reportedly shot while on the ground, left to bleed for hours. The Israeli military stated that he had begun to stab soldiers, and two Israeli personnel were lightly wounded during the incident.

Hamas praised the stabbing attempt, calling it a “heroic operation” and asserting that such actions are a response to ongoing Israeli military operations, daily arrests, and field executions in the occupied West Bank.

Israeli Raids and Settlement Violence Continue

Israeli forces have continued raids across the West Bank, storming areas near hospitals in Hebron and demolishing two apartments in al-Walaja village, west of Bethlehem. Israeli settlers reportedly attacked Burqa village northwest of Nablus, setting fire to a tractor, attempting to burn a vehicle, and spraying graffiti on a home.

International law deems Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal. Last year, the International Court of Justice reaffirmed that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories violates international law and must end.

Gaza Drone Strike Kills Photojournalist Mahmoud Wadi

Meanwhile, in Gaza, an Israeli drone strike in central Khan Younis killed Palestinian photojournalist Mahmoud Wadi and injured another journalist, Muhammad Abdel Fattah Aslih. Wadi’s death adds to a growing list of media casualties, with over 260 media workers killed in Gaza since October 2023, making this the deadliest conflict for journalists in history.

A video verified by Al Jazeera showed Wadi’s body covered with a press vest, surrounded by mourners. The loss of journalists underscores the risks faced by media personnel covering the ongoing conflict.

Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

The war in Gaza has already claimed at least 70,100 Palestinian lives and injured 170,965 since October 2023. Israeli authorities continue attacks despite a ceasefire that began on October 10, during which more than 356 Palestinians were killed. The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, with less than half of hospitals and a third of clinics functioning at minimal capacity.

• Al-Ahli Hospital is treating more than three times its intended capacity.
• Al-Shifa, Nasser, and al-Rantisi hospitals are overwhelmed with patients.
• More than half of essential medicines and two-thirds of medical supplies are out of stock.

The UN has described the situation as “catastrophic,” with ongoing shortages of equipment and medications. Monitoring groups report that around 1,000 healthcare workers have been killed since the start of the conflict, and at least 25 medical staff are being held in Israeli prisons without charge.

Captives and Ceasefire Challenges

The Israeli prime minister’s office confirmed that authorities received potential remains of two captives from Gaza via the Red Cross. These remains are being transported for identification. Although Hamas had agreed to return the bodies of captives under the ceasefire, widespread destruction has made recovery efforts difficult.

The escalating violence, continued settlement expansion, and humanitarian crisis highlight the urgent need for international attention and intervention to prevent further loss of life and suffering in the region.