Israeli military investigates after video appears to show soldiers shot two men with hands raised, amid Palestinian claims of summary executions
The Israeli Army said it is investigating footage that appears to show soldiers firing on two Palestinians who were apparently surrendering in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. The episode, which was recorded by television channels and partially filmed by the AFP, has sparked strong condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, which accused Israeli forces of carrying out “a crime of war” and described the killings as “brutal summary executions”.
What the army and authorities say
The Israeli Army and police released a joint statement saying the two men were wanted on accusations of “terrorist activities” and that they were forced to leave a surrounded building after what the military called a “process of surrender” that lasted hours. According to the statement, “After they came out, the suspects were shot. The incident is being investigated.” The army also told journalists it was looking into “an incident” captured on video, without offering further details about the circumstances that led to the shootings.
Video and eyewitness reports
Video circulated on Israeli television shows the moment troops open fire while the two men appear to have their hands raised in a gesture of surrender. The AFP, which filmed part of the event, confirmed that its crew captured footage of the confrontation. The imagery has been widely shared on social media, prompting urgent calls for a transparent and independent investigation from international observers and rights groups.
Palestinian response and international concern
The Palestinian Authority announced the deaths of two men, 26 and 37 years old, attributing the killings to Israeli gunfire and framing the episode as an unlawful use of force. Officials characterized the episode as an execution rather than a lawful operation, repeating the accusation that this constituted “a crime of war” and labeling the acts as “brutal summary executions.” These strong words have heightened diplomatic pressure on Israel to clarify the rules of engagement used during the operation.
Context and implications
The apparent shooting of surrendered suspects in Jenin comes amid repeated raids and clashes across the West Bank, which Israeli forces say are aimed at dismantling networks they accuse of carrying out attacks. Human rights organizations have frequently warned that operations in densely populated Palestinian areas risk civilian harm and call for rigorous accountability when video evidence suggests possible violations.
Israeli authorities insist the suspects were wanted for alleged “terrorist activities”, and they have opened an investigation into what they described only as “an incident”. For residents, and for observers abroad, the central questions remain whether the force used was lawful, what orders were given on the ground, and whether those responsible will face independent scrutiny.
The footage and the conflicting accounts underscore how quickly such incidents can inflame tensions, both locally, and internationally. As the inquiry proceeds, human rights advocates are expected to press for full access to the video, forensic evidence, and witness statements, to determine if the actions amounted to unlawful killings or to a tragic outcome in an ongoing security operation.
This developing story was reported by Redação Jornal de Brasília on 27/11/2025, and circulated with additional footage from AFP, which filmed part of the incident. The Israeli Army, the police, and the Palestinian Authority have each issued statements that are now central to international calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.
