An Israeli border police officer has been suspended following the release of CCTV footage showing him throwing a stun grenade into a car carrying young Palestinians during a raid on the Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. The footage, published by the Israeli rights group B’Tselem, shows the officer approaching the vehicle, shouting at its occupants, and then throwing the grenade through the open door, which he shut as the driver attempted to exit. The grenade detonated, filling the area with smoke, while the two passengers escaped through the opposite side of the car. The officer was heard shouting,
Shut your mouth. Who are you talking to like that?
The officer's actions have been described as
not in accordance with procedure
by police, and the case is now under investigation by the justice ministry's department for the investigation of police officers.
Key Details
During the same raid, Israeli forces shot and killed a 16-year-old boy named Walid Abu Sneineh and wounded three other Palestinians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Additionally, two Palestinian children were reported injured by gunfire in the incident. Since 2020, UN data indicates that Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed at least 1,175 Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, with a significant portion being children. No charges have been filed in these cases.
Background
The incident has raised concerns about the use of stun grenades, which are designed to disorient individuals but can cause serious injuries, especially when detonated at close range. B’Tselem highlighted the ongoing violence and lack of accountability in the region, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the officer's conduct.
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Limited direct market relevance; the development matters more for regional stability and humanitarian concerns than for traded assets. Investors will watch for further developments in the investigation and any potential policy changes regarding the use of force by Israeli security forces.