IDF probes shooting of Palestinian in the back
Military Police opens investigation into the death of 22 year-old Palestinian man after a video surfaced appearing to show him being shot in the back; his brother says he suffered from mental and physical disabilities, and used a stick to help him walk.
The security-camera video, obtained from a local restaurant in the Palestinian town of Tulkarem, shows Mohammed Habali walking in an alleyway holding a stick when he is shot from behind and falls down on his face.
Several other young males can be seen standing nearby or walking away in the same direction—sometimes looking back. No soldiers are seen in the video.
Habali's brother, Alaa, said Mohammed had suffered from a mental disability and was also physically disabled after breaking his pelvis in a car accident a few years ago. He said the stick his brother carried was used to help him walk.
He said Mohammed had worked in a coffee shop and was in the street after closing the restaurant when he saw soldiers in the area.
In a statement Sunday, IDF confirmed that it was conducting an "operational activity" in Tulkarem last week when dozens of Palestinians began hurling stones at the soldiers. It gave no further details on the operation.
In addition, IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated that soldiers responded to the stone throwers with "riot dispersal means" and live fire.
Military police is now investigating the shooting, but no details were given on when the probe would be completed.
