A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Wednesday after attempting to stab Israeli forces at the “tunnels checkpoint” south of Jerusalem, according to Israeli authorities. No Israeli forces were injured in the incident.
Details of the Incident
Police report that Border Police officers at the checkpoint identified a suspect arriving on foot from the direction of the West Bank. During a routine inspection, the suspect presented his identification before allegedly drawing a knife. The assailant, identified as Qussai Halaika, 28, from al-Shuyukh north of Hebron, was then shot by a platoon commander of the Military Police’s Erez Battalion.
The Palestinian Authority’s General Authority for Civilian Affairs confirmed the death and stated that Israel has detained the body of Qussai Halaika.
Separate Incident, Similar Outcome
On Tuesday, a Palestinian man was also shot and killed by Israeli troops in the southern West Bank town of ad-Dhahiriya. According to the IDF, the man, identified as Muhammad Rajih Nasrallah, 20, hurled a Molotov cocktail at the troops during an operation. The army stated that soldiers “eliminated the terrorist,” and no troops were injured.
Escalating Violence and Settler Attacks
These incidents occur amidst reports of increased violence in the West Bank. Footage released Wednesday appears to show a severe attack by masked Israelis on a Palestinian man in Khirbet al-Fakhit, in the Masafer Yatta area. The man sustained skull fractures and required hospitalization. According to reports, settlers also stoned medics attempting to reach the injured man.
The IDF reported arresting two Palestinian women allegedly involved in attacking soldiers at the scene of the settler violence, but no settlers were apprehended. MK Gilad Kariv described the situation as “Jewish terrorism” becoming a “daily reality,” and criticized what he characterized as a lack of action by security forces.
Data released by the IDF and Shin Bet earlier this month indicates a 27 percent rise in attacks by extremists against Palestinians and Israeli security forces in the West Bank in 2025, with a 50 percent increase in severe incidents classified as “nationalistic crime.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the tunnels checkpoint?
A Palestinian man attempted to stab Israeli forces at the checkpoint and was shot and killed by a platoon commander of the Military Police’s Erez Battalion, according to Israeli authorities.
Who was Muhammad Rajih Nasrallah?
Muhammad Rajih Nasrallah, 20, was a Palestinian man who was shot and killed by Israeli troops after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at them during an operation in ad-Dhahiriya.
What are the concerns regarding settler violence?
There are concerns about escalating settler violence in the West Bank, with reports of attacks on Palestinians and a perceived lack of enforcement by Israeli security forces, as highlighted by MK Gilad Kariv.
Given the recent surge in violence and the reported lack of accountability for attacks, what steps might be taken to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of all residents in the West Bank?
