Israeli Soldiers Reportedly Push Lifeless Bodies from Rooftops During West Bank Raid

Israeli soldiers were seen pushing four seemingly lifeless bodies from rooftops during a raid in Qabatiya, West Bank. This incident, captured by an Associated Press journalist and videos, adds to the list of alleged violations by Israeli forces since the Israel-Hamas conflict began. Human rights organisations claim these videos highlight Israel's excessive force against Palestinians.

The Israeli military stated that the incident would be reviewed, noting it "does not coincide with its values and the expectations from its soldiers." A White House spokesperson described the event as "deeply disturbing," adding that Israel has committed to investigating. Residents reported that the military later took custody of the bodies, though the military did not comment on this.

Human Rights Concerns

Shawan Jabarin, director of Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, expressed doubt about a thorough investigation. "There is no military need to do this. It's just a savage way of treating Palestinian bodies," Jabarin said after viewing the footage. He added that while soldiers might face discipline, a real investigation or prosecution is unlikely.

In one video obtained by AP, three soldiers are seen dragging a stiff body to the edge of a rooftop before dropping it. Another video shows soldiers pushing three bodies off an adjacent roof. Photos from the raid show an Israeli army bulldozer near the buildings where bodies were dropped.

Military Actions and Reactions

The Israeli military reported killing seven militants on Thursday, though no group claimed them as fighters. During a funeral for three men killed in the raid—whose bodies were not taken—gunmen with Islamic Jihad insignia were present. At least one body was wrapped in an Islamic Jihad flag.

Amjad Abu al-Roub, a Qabatiya resident, witnessed the raid and said Israeli forces entered around 11:30 a.m., sparking a gunfight that killed four people. He claimed soldiers threw the bodies from rooftops in the evening. "The bulldozer carried them and they took them without letting us say goodbye to them or to do a funeral for them," al-Roub said.

Ongoing Conflict and Casualties

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that 716 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7 due to Israeli fire. The northern West Bank, including Qabatiya, has experienced severe violence since the conflict began. The ministry also noted that ten Palestinians were hospitalised during this raid but remained stable.

Hussein Zakarneh identified his nephew Shadi Zakarneh as one of those pushed off a roof. Shadi was reportedly wanted by Israel and had been imprisoned before. "He wanted to become a martyr," Hussein said about his nephew.

Under international law, soldiers must treat dead bodies decently, including those of enemy combatants. Typically, Israeli forces leave behind Palestinians killed during raids but sometimes take bodies into Israel.

The military later claimed it struck a car in Qabatiya that night, killing three militants. Aerial footage showed four men exiting a car before it was hit from above, causing an explosion. The military said the car contained explosives and weapons and arrested seven people suspected of militant activities.

Since October 7, Palestinian gunmen have attacked Israelis at checkpoints and within Israel itself. Earlier this month, Israel conducted its deadliest raid in the northern West Bank since the war started, resulting in at least 33 deaths.