Israeli forces kill 14-year-old Moataz Iyad Daghlas in West Bank raid

Israeli forces shot and killed 14‑year‑old Moataz Iyad Daghlas during a raid on the West Bank village of Burqa on Tuesday, while wounding two other teenagers, officials said. The Israeli military confirmed the incident near the city of Nablus and said soldiers opened fire after Palestinians allegedly threw stones at Israeli vehicles.

The raid comes amid a sharp rise in violence across the occupied West Bank since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 and the ensuing war in Gaza. The United Nations has described the surge as an “unprecedented level” of Palestinian deaths, reporting more than 1,100 Palestinians killed in the territory since the war began, including 250 children. Settler‑related attacks have also intensified, with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project noting that 2026 is on track to be the most violent year for settler violence in a decade.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Moataz’s body is being withheld by Israeli authorities. The Wafa news agency said the other wounded teens include a 17‑year‑old with injuries to his abdomen and pelvis and a 19‑year‑old with a hand wound. Wafa also reported that Israeli soldiers detained Moataz’s father, blocked an ambulance from reaching the injured, and briefly held three volunteer paramedics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The Israeli military said the gunfire was meant to “neutralise the threat” and that several hits were confirmed.

Human‑rights groups say the incident underscores the growing gap between Israeli security tactics and the protection of civilians in the West Bank. International observers are calling for an independent investigation into the use of live fire against minors and the denial of medical access. If the pattern continues, pressure could mount on Israel from the United Nations and European governments to curb settler‑linked violence and adhere to international humanitarian law. The incident is likely to fuel further protests and could shape diplomatic discussions about the future of the occupied territories.