By Our Correspondent
National News – Israeli forces have shot and killed a Palestinian couple and two of their young children during an incident in the town of Tammoun in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The victims, identified as Ali and Waad Bani Odeh, were travelling in a car with their children when the shooting occurred.
Palestinian officials reported that the parents and two boys, aged five and seven, died from gunshot wounds, while two other children in the vehicle survived the attack.
Local sources said the family was driving through the northern West Bank town when Israeli forces opened fire on the vehicle.
Medical officials confirmed that the victims arrived at a nearby hospital with severe gunshot wounds to the head and face.
The surviving children, aged eight and 11, sustained minor injuries caused by shrapnel but were able to receive treatment.
Israeli authorities stated that the incident happened during a joint security operation carried out by the Israeli army and border police in the area.
According to a statement released by the Israeli military, the vehicle allegedly accelerated toward security personnel, leading soldiers to believe their lives were in danger.
Officers then opened fire, resulting in the deaths of four occupants of the car.
The Israeli military added that the circumstances surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation.
Officials say further details will be released after a full review of the incident is completed.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that emergency crews initially faced difficulties reaching the injured victims because Israeli forces blocked access to the scene.
Rescue teams were reportedly ordered to withdraw before they could provide immediate medical assistance.
The deadly shooting comes amid rising tensions across the occupied West Bank, where security operations, clashes, and violent incidents have increased significantly in recent months.
Movement restrictions across many Palestinian areas have also intensified following the escalation of hostilities linked to the broader Middle East conflict.
Humanitarian groups and international observers continue to raise concerns over the growing number of civilian casualties in the region, particularly among children, as the conflict spreads beyond Gaza into other Palestinian territories.
