Palestinians Allege Activist Killed by Israeli Settlers in West Bank

The Palestinian Ministry of Education has accused Israeli settlers of killing Awdah Muhammad Hathaleen, a prominent activist associated with the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, during an attack on the village of Umm al-Khair near Hebron in the southern West Bank.

The Israeli police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which occurred near the Carmel settlement, adjacent to Umm al-Khair.

“An Israeli citizen was detained at the scene and then arrested by police for questioning,”
— Israeli Police Statement

According to the police, four Palestinians and two foreign nationals were also arrested at the scene by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The authorities confirmed the death of a Palestinian man, adding that “his exact involvement in the incident is being verified.”

Victim’s Identity and Background

• Name: Awdah Muhammad Hathaleen
• Residence: Masafer Yatta, South Hebron Hills
• Occupation: Activist
• Affiliation: Contributed to No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 2024 Academy Awards

Awdah was known for his peaceful resistance against Israeli demolition campaigns in Masafer Yatta, an area declared a military firing zone by Israeli authorities but home to many Palestinian families.

Incident Context

• Date of Incident: Monday (exact date unspecified)
• Location: Umm al-Khair, near Carmel settlement, West Bank
• Accusation: Shot in the lungs by an armed settler
• Eyewitness Account: Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham posted a video on Instagram showing a confrontation involving a gunman. Abraham wrote:

“An Israeli settler just shot Awdah Hathaleen in the lungs, a remarkable activist who helped us film ‘No Other Land’ in Masafer Yatta.”

Broader Context of Violence

Approximately 3 million Palestinians live in the occupied West Bank, alongside nearly 500,000 Israeli settlers. These settlements are considered illegal under international law.

The ongoing expansion of settlements and frequent military operations have resulted in heightened tensions, especially in flashpoint areas like Masafer Yatta, where home demolitions and settler incursions are common.

The killing of Hathaleen has reignited calls for accountability and intensified scrutiny of settler violence and its implications for regional stability.