Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Man in Aqraba Siege

Israeli occupation forces invaded Aqraba south of Nablus early Tuesday morning. Soldiers surrounded a specific home in the Ad-Deeriya area and launched a heavy attack on the building. The military operation resulted in the death of a young Palestinian man whose body was subsequently taken by the invading troops.

The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the slain man as Abdul-Karim Mohammad Salem Khader. He was twenty-eight years old at the time of his death. Confirmation of his identity came from the Palestinian Civil Affairs Authority. Israeli authorities continue to withhold his body despite requests from his family and local officials for its release.

Witnesses reported that a large military force imposed a strict cordon around the residence. Soldiers demanded that Khader surrender and threatened to demolish the house if he refused. Heavy gunfire erupted as Khader reportedly refused to surrender and exchanged fire with the invading forces during the intense confrontation.

Reinforcements including armored vehicles and a bulldozer entered the town to support the siege. Residents heard two explosions as soldiers struck the house with an Energa anti-tank grenade. The bulldozer later demolished parts of the besieged home while warplanes maintained an intensive presence over the area throughout the operation.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said soldiers barred medics from reaching or examining Khader. Forces closed the town’s gate to outgoing traffic but kept it open for entering vehicles. Drivers used the road through Beita as an alternate route after hours of siege and exchanges of fire ended.