According to Army Radio reporters, the security coordinator (ravshatz) of the community of Mizad fired at Palestinians throwing stones at a group of Israeli hikers at the edge of the village of Sa'ir (Hamrush) near Hebron, killing one and wounding another. The coordinator said he fired after the stone-throwers endangered the hikers. A fire broke out in a Palestinian building; a 65-year-old man was evacuated with smoke inhalation. The IDF confirmed the incident, warning that unauthorized hikes endanger participants and divert security forces. Police are investigating alongside the IDF, including suspected arson by Israelis.
This afternoon, a group of Israeli hikers from the Mizad area arrived at the edge of the Palestinian village of Sa'ir (Hamrush) near Hebron for an unauthorized hike. According to the IDF, the hikers had no coordination or approval for the trip. Upon their arrival, Palestinians from the village came out and began throwing stones at the group.
The security coordinator (ravshatz) of Mizad, who was nearby, responded initially by firing into the air and then fired at several Palestinians he said were endangering the civilians with the stone-throwing. Two Palestinians were hit: one was killed and one wounded, according to Army Radio reporters. The coordinator's account is under investigation.
After the shooting, a fire broke out in a Palestinian building at the scene. A 65-year-old man was evacuated with smoke inhalation. The fire is suspected to have been set by Israelis, according to the initial report. IDF and police forces arrived and opened an investigation into the shooting, the fire, and the conduct of both the Israelis and Palestinians involved.
The IDF Spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement at 14:36, noting that Israeli civilians were wounded by the stones, and that a security person fired, resulting in Palestinian casualties. The IDF said firefighters extinguished a fire in a building under construction. The military emphasized that unauthorized hikes endanger participants and divert forces from defense and counter-terror missions in the sector. Police from the Judea and Samaria District are collecting evidence and testimony as the investigation continues.
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