Israeli forces shot and killed 60-year-old Palestinian business-owner Hamdan Al-Arda yesterday, during a raid of Al-Bireh, in the central West Bank.
Al-Arda was driving in his car when soldiers opened fire, killing him.
The Israeli army stated that,
“A terrorist attempted to use his car to run over IDF soldiers who were conducting operations. An IDF soldier was lightly wounded. Security forces at the scene responded with gunfire and neutralized the terrorist.”
Yesterday, Israeli soldiers in al-Bireh shot & killed 60-y-o Palestinian business-owner Hamdan al-Arda.
The army called him a "terrorist" attempting a car-ramming. His family – & even Israeli "defense sources" – say otherwise.https://t.co/9ifmgpJBtchttps://t.co/x5JzeZA51s pic.twitter.com/twDroadeRg
— Ben White (@benabyad) December 14, 2018
However, eyewitnesses, the man’s relatives, and even Israeli sources cast doubt on these claims.
As reported by Haaretz, “members of his family said he suffered from hearing loss that they thought he must have failed to hear soldiers’ warnings”, and “added that he likely veered off course when he was surprised by the soldiers’ presence.”
Hundreds of Palestinians marched yesterday evening in Araba, the man’s hometown, to protest the killing and accusing Israel of killing Al-Arda “for no reason”.
Hamdan Tawfiq al-Arda, 60, killed by Israeli soldiers in al-Bireh today. Israel said he was attempting car ramming but witnesses said he was trying to turn his car because soldiers were in the road. Will not be surprised if investigations show he was extrajudicially executed. https://t.co/q6WAoJoH98
— Maureen Murphy (@maureenclarem) December 13, 2018
Eyewitnesses said,
“The incident was merely a car accident, as the driver was surprised with Israeli soldiers in his way and attempted to turn away from them before the heavily opened fire at him.”
According to reports at the time, Palestinian Red Crescent medics were prevented by Israeli forces from reaching Al-Arda after he had been shot.
( MEMO, PC, Social Media)
