Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian couple and two of their young children during an incident in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian officials. The family was traveling in their car through the town of Tammun in the northern West Bank when the shooting occurred.
The victims were identified as Ali Bani Odeh and his wife Waad Bani Odeh, along with their two children, five-year-old Mohammed and seven-year-old Othman. Medical officials said all four arrived at the hospital with severe gunshot wounds to the head and face.
Two of the couple’s older children, aged eight and eleven, were also in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. They survived the incident but suffered minor injuries caused by shrapnel. The children also witnessed the deaths of their parents and siblings.
Israeli authorities stated that security forces were conducting a joint operation in the area involving the army and border police when the incident took place. Officials said the vehicle reportedly accelerated toward the forces, which they interpreted as a possible threat. Soldiers then opened fire on the car.
The Israeli military said the situation is under investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Palestinian emergency responders reported difficulties reaching the victims immediately after the attack. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, Israeli forces initially blocked their crews from approaching the vehicle and instructed them to leave the area before allowing access later.
The incident has added to rising tensions across the occupied West Bank, where military raids and confrontations have increased in recent months.
