Israeli soldiers shot and killed two Palestinian men in the northern West Bank city of Jenin during a military raid on November 27, 2025, as the men reportedly attempted to surrender. Video footage and eyewitness accounts suggest the men had raised their shirts to show they were unarmed before being ordered back into a building.

Al Jazeera journalist Nour Odeh reported from Ramallah that the two men were “executed” after complying with the military’s orders. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victims as Al-Muntasir Billah Abdullah, 26, and Youssef Asasa, 37.

Israeli Army Statement

The Israeli military stated that troops were pursuing individuals “affiliated with a terror network” in Jenin and initiated a surrender procedure lasting several hours. After the men exited the building, the army said, “fire was directed towards the suspects,” and the incident is under review by commanders.

However, observers note that past investigations into the killings of Palestinians rarely result in indictments or criminal charges.

Palestinian Response

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the killings as “heinous extrajudicial executions” and called for international intervention, including the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to protect civilians.

Mustafa Barghouti, head of the Palestinian National Initiative, described the shootings as a “shocking crime” and criticized the lack of accountability for Israeli military actions in the West Bank.

In contrast, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly supported the raid, stating that “terrorists must die.”

Escalating Violence in the West Bank

The Jenin incident occurred amid intensified Israeli military operations across the northern West Bank, including attack helicopters and drones, targeting multiple areas over consecutive days. Since the campaign began, at least 25 Palestinians have been injured, and 100 others detained, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Residents report that the Israeli military has carried out indiscriminate attacks, blocked journalists and ambulances, and damaged infrastructure. The surge in raids comes against the backdrop of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, which UN experts and human rights groups have characterized as genocide.

Impact on Refugee Communities

The northern West Bank, including Jenin refugee camp, has been particularly affected. Approximately 32,000 residents have been forced from their homes since January, with Israel preventing their return. Human Rights Watch has condemned the forced evictions as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

UNRWA officials highlighted continued demolition orders in Jenin refugee camp, with 12 buildings slated for full demolition and 11 for partial destruction this week, adding to more than 200 buildings previously targeted since February.

Amnesty International described the escalated operations as part of “Israel’s cruel system of apartheid against Palestinians”, urging the international community to intervene and end the unlawful occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza.

Context and Global Response

The Jenin raid reflects a doubling of daily Israeli military operations in the West Bank over the past two years, with roughly 47 raids occurring daily on average. Observers have warned that the increasing violence risks further destabilizing the occupied territories and escalating civilian casualties.