A journalist was fatally shot in the West Bank city of Jenin during a security operation, her family reported Sunday, citing local media via the Middle East Monitor.
The family identified the victim as Shatha Sabbagh, alleging she was killed by gunfire from security forces on Saturday evening in the Jenin refugee camp.Times of Israel said that they accused the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) of responsibility, calling the incident a “full-fledged crime” and urging local and international human rights organizations to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
Palestinian security spokesperson Anwar Rajab denied any involvement by security forces, stating that preliminary investigations and witness accounts indicated no personnel were present at the scene. Rajab condemned the killing as a “heinous crime committed by outlaws” and affirmed the PA’s commitment to justice, pledging to bring those responsible to account.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate called for an independent investigation into the killing and demanded the inclusion of a syndicate representative to ensure transparency and accountability.
The killing occurred amid a broader security operation by Palestinian forces in the Jenin refugee camp, ongoing for nearly three weeks. The campaign, aimed at targeting so-called “outlaws,” has resulted in at least ten fatalities, including five security personnel and five civilians, according to local reports.
The operation has drawn criticism from Palestinian factions such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which accuse the PA of targeting resistance fighters in the camp. Last week, the Palestinian Non-Governmental Network, a coalition of over 130 rights groups, called for dialogue to address the escalating tensions.
Violence in the occupied West Bank has surged against the backdrop of Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which has reportedly killed nearly 44,500 people—mostly women and children—since a Hamas attack last year.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
