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X-ray of Osayed Qadus' skull
Photo: Salma a-Dab'i, B'Tselem
Riots in Burin on Saturday
Photo: AFP

IDF-appointed experts to probe death of 2 Palestinians

Military physicians, forensics experts to probe discrepancy between Palestinian, IDF versions of incident in which two teenagers died on Saturday

The IDF on Monday set up a committee of experts tasked with investigating the death of two Palestinian teenagers during riots that erupted near the West Bank city of Nablus on Saturday.

 

The Palestinians claim that Israeli soldiers used live fire, resulting in the death of two people, while the IDF contends that soldiers fired rubber-bullets, in accordance with army protocol.

 

The committee, consisting of military physicians and forensic experts who were appointed by the army, will be tasked with looking into the discrepancy between the two versions with the use of eyewitness accounts and evidence gathered at the scene.

 

The experts will also examine X-ray images of the Palestinians' bodies provided by a hospital in Nablus and the testimonies of IDF soldiers.

 

At this point, the army said, the cause of death cannot be determined.

 

Mohammed Qadus (16) and Osayed Qadus (19) were killed during clashes in the West Bank village of Burin. The IDF said that during the incident dozens of Palestinians threw stones soldiers, who responded with crowd dispersal means.

 

Mohammed died on the spot, while Osayed died of his injuries the next day.

 

Earlier Monday it was reported that the IDF has launched an investigation into Sunday's incident near the West Bank village of Awatra, in which two Palestinians carrying a pitchfork were killed by IDF soldiers.

 

It was initially reported that the Palestinians had planned to attack soldiers with a pitchfork, but this version was later challenged after it was revealed that the pitchfork was apparently left on the ground beside them.

 

Under the circumstances, it is likely that the company commander acted appropriately because he felt in danger," a military source said on Monday. However, he added that "at the end of the day, when you look at all the characteristics of the event, it perhaps could have been concluded differently."

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.22.10, 20:16
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