Daijiworld Media Network - Ramallah

Ramallah, Feb 22: Two Palestinian children lost their lives after being shot in the back by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, sparking outrage and condemnation from international organizations.

Twelve-year-old Ayman Nasser al-Haymouny was shot in Hebron while visiting relatives, and 13-year-old Rimas al-Amouri was killed in the Jenin governorate while standing in her family’s courtyard. According to defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP), both children were targeted suddenly and without warning by Israeli soldiers positioned inside armoured vehicles.

Al-Haymouny succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital, while al-Amouri was pronounced dead shortly after being shot. Reports indicate that an Israeli soldier fired multiple bullets into the courtyard where she was standing, hitting her in the back. The killings come amid intensified Israeli military raids across the West Bank, particularly in Nablus, Tulkarem, and Jenin, which have led to numerous arrests and further casualties.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned the deaths, labeling them as war crimes and urging international action. Since January 21, more than 50 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank, with widespread destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure affecting Palestinian communities, according to the UN’s humanitarian office. The recent escalation has also seen increased reports of Israeli settler violence towards Palestinians, raising further concerns over the deteriorating situation in the region.