Incident Overview
A Palestinian teacher who contributed to the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land was shot and killed by an Israeli settler, according to reports from the Palestinian education ministry and an Israeli-American activist present during the incident. The individual, Odeh Hathaleen, was allegedly shot in the lungs in the village of Umm Al-Khair, located in the occupied West Bank.
Details of the Shooting
Yuval Abraham, co-director of No Other Land, stated on social media that a settler identified as Yinon Levy was the shooter. Residents claim that Levy has been sanctioned by the UK.
Allegations and Justifications
Attorney Avichai Hajbi, representing a resident involved in the incident, claimed that his client felt threatened and was compelled to fire his weapon into the air after facing aggression from an “Arab mob” that included foreign activists throwing stones.
Details from Eyewitnesses
Mattan Berner-Kadish, who witnessed the event, reported that a bulldozer from a nearby settlement was moving through privately owned Palestinian land, damaging property. As residents including Hathaleen’s cousin sought to block the bulldozer, an altercation ensued, reportedly resulting in injuries. Berner-Kadish stated he later found Hathaleen bleeding from a gunshot wound with Levy visibly armed.
Video Evidence
Footage allegedly captured by a relative of Hathaleen shows Levy brandishing a pistol in the presence of a bulldozer, escalating tensions with others nearby. The video ends as the individual filming turns to escape amid screams from women.
Investigations and Reactions
Israeli police confirmed they are looking into the shooting, which occurred in the Carmel settlement area. They have detained one Israeli citizen for questioning, while reports indicate Levy has been placed under house arrest. The Israel Defense Forces detained several Palestinians and foreign tourists believed to have been present during the incident.
Community Impact and Political Context
Hathaleen was not only a teacher but also a cherished community member who was involved in local development initiatives. US Congresswoman Lateefah Simon expressed her sorrow over his death, highlighting prior incidents where both Hathaleen and his cousin were detained while participating in dialogue events in the US. The situation underscores ongoing tensions regarding Israel’s settlement policies and escalating violence in the region.
