A pregnant Palestinian woman was fatally shot by Israeli forces in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem on Sunday, sparking widespread outrage over rising violence in the region.
Mohammed Shula, 58, said his daughter-in-law Sondos Shalabi, 23, called for help after being shot by a sniper. Despite pleas for assistance, medics were repeatedly denied entry to the scene and were even detained twice as they attempted to reach Shalabi’s body.
Shalabi had fled her home in Nur Shams refugee camp with her husband Yazan, 26, who was also killed in the incident. The couple’s baby was due to be born soon.
The Israeli army has said it referred Shalabi’s shooting to the military police for investigation. However, Palestinians have condemned the use of lethal force against civilians, saying it marks a worrying trend towards more aggressive tactics.
At least 905 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since Hamas’ attack on Gaza last month, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The deaths include both militants and uninvolved civilians.
The incident has raised concerns about the escalating violence in the West Bank, with many calling for an end to the conflict. The international community has also expressed concern over the situation, with some critics accusing Israel of using excessive force against Palestinians.
Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/ap/ap-international/ap-israels-fatal-shooting-of-a-pregnant-palestinian-woman-raises-fears-in-the-west-bank