A Palestinian worker has died from injuries sustained when Israeli forces opened fire as he attempted to enter Israel in search of employment, according to Palestinian medical authorities who confirmed his death on Monday.
This represents the second fatal incident within a week involving a Palestinian worker being shot while attempting to cross the border for employment purposes.
Palestinian health officials in Ramallah named the victim as 32-year-old Mahmoud Al-Amleh. Medical authorities reported he sustained gunshot wounds on Sunday morning from Israeli forces in Beit Ula village, located in the southern territory close to Hebron. Emergency responders transported Al-Amleh to a Hebron medical facility where he underwent emergency surgery.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Hamdan Al-Amleh explained that his cousin had joined other workers attempting to enter Israel for employment.
Israeli military officials acknowledged opening fire on Palestinians and wounding an individual. Military representatives stated that soldiers discharged their weapons because the Palestinians were believed to be damaging border infrastructure during their crossing attempt. The military’s official statement indicated that firing at suspects represents standard protocol during detention operations.
This incident follows another Palestinian fatality under comparable circumstances less than seven days earlier.
Prior to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli authorities permitted tens of thousands of Palestinians to work within Israel’s borders. However, Israel revoked the majority of these work permits following the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that occurred on Oct. 7, 2023. As the West Bank’s economy continues to deteriorate and joblessness increases, growing numbers of Palestinians from the occupied territory have tried to enter Israel without authorization to find basic employment opportunities.
Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicates that Israeli military personnel or settlers have fatally shot no fewer than 47 Palestinians in the West Bank during this year through May 11.
OCHA reports that 17 Palestinians have lost their lives and more than 290 others have sustained injuries while attempting to cross the barrier since Oct. 7, 2023.
