Abu-Hantash's x-ray image
Photo: B'Tselem
IDF launches probe into Palestinian's injury
Ynet obtains x-ray images of Nablus resident critically injured after being hit in head by three metal bullets during IDF raid in West Bank city. Eyewitnesses say he did not endanger forces operating in area. Army: Incident being investigated thoroughly
Ahmed Abu-Hantash left a Nablus mosque last Friday following the afternoon prayer. According to eyewitnesses, he did not engage in any terrorist activity and did not fight against the IDF forces operating in the West Bank city, and yet three rubber-covered metal bullets tore through his head, causing him to fall to the ground and critically injuring him.
Palestinian sources say that the Abu Hantash injury was the most severe incident which took place during the Israeli army's three-day operation in Nablus' ancient quarter.
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X-ray images obtained by Ynet show that the bullets hit the back side of Abu-Hantash's neck, indicating that he may have been shot standing with his back to the soldiers. The IDF has launched an investigation into the incident, as it is unclear whether he had endangered the troops before being fired at.
The incident occurred on the second day of the military operation in the city. The forces reported that they had uncovered an explosives lab, an explosive belt, and pipes used for manufacturing Qassam rockets, and that they had arrested 20 wanted Palestinians.
Abu-Hantash at Nablus hospital (Photo: B'Tselem)
The owner of a grocery store located near the mosque said that he had been standing at the entrance to the shop with his brother, about 50 meters away from Abu-Hantash, when he suddenly heard gunshots and saw Abu-Hantash lying on the ground.
"He was shot at very close range, no more than 20-30 meters," the man testified.
Another eyewitness told Ynet that Abu-Hantash did not endanger the soldiers and was simply leaving the mosque with another person when he was shot.
The injuries to Abu-Hantash's head indicate that he was shot at relatively close range. A medical document issued by the Nablus hospital shows that the gunshots were fired at the back of his head.
Human rights organization B'Tselem has requested that the Police Investigation Unit and the police's Judea and Samaria district launch an investigation into the incident, as the eyewitnesses had claimed that Abu-Hantash was shot by Border Guard officers.
The IDF said in response that "the report on the injured Palestinian was received during the IDF and the Border Guard's operational activity against terror infrastructures in Nablus. Like any other operational incident, this incident is being investigated thoroughly.
"The inquiry's findings will be submitted to the review of the Military Prosecution, which will examine the incident, and if necessary, the Military Police investigators will launch an investigation into the matter.
"Upon receiving the complaint, representatives of the Civil Administration suggested that the injured man be transferred to the Sheba Medical Center in Israel for medical treatment, but this was impossible due to the man's condition."
