The video of the incident, which took place on Friday near Hebron in the southern West Bank, appears to show 24-year-old Haroun Abu Aram, along with three other men, trying to hold on to the generator while Israeli soldiers search to take it.
The fight continues until, outside the room, there is a single gunfire, followed by screams, before the room moves to reveal Abu Aram lying motionless on the ground.
The video was widely broadcast by Israeli human rights organizations and in the Israeli and Palestinian media.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the soldiers were involved in a routine operation “to confiscate and evacuate an illegal building in the village of At-Tuwani.” Israeli forces regularly evacuate and demolish Palestinian homes in Palestinian territories built without the permission of the Israeli authorities.
The statement said the army was aware of reports that a Palestinian had been injured by live fire during the operation and that it was conducting an investigation.
The army statement also said that the operation was carried out in front of the rock throw by about 150 Palestinians, although this cannot be seen in the two-and-a-half minute video of the incident circulating on social networks.
Mohammed Ribe, head of the village’s local committee, told CNN that Abu Aram’s family home was demolished a month ago and that he tried to protect his neighbors’ property when the IDF moved to empty his home during the operation. Friday.
“Haroun tried to help his neighbors get his generator back when he was shot in the back of the head,” Ribe said.
In a statement from the hospital in Hebron where Abu Aram is being treated, it was said that he was shot in the throat, affecting his nerves and spine and leaving him paralyzed in all four limbs. The hospital added that breathing was only possible with a ventilator.