Ramallah, Occupied West Bank – October 9, 2025 – A tragic escalation of violence occurred Wednesday evening when a 26-year-old Palestinian man, Jihad Mohammed Ajaj, was shot dead by an Israeli settler on a main road connecting Deir Jarir and Silwad, east of Ramallah. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Bank and growing concerns about settler attacks.Ajaj was reportedly hit by multiple bullets and immediately rushed to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah. Despite efforts from medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries, underscoring the lethal nature of such encounters in the region.
Local officials detailed the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Fathi Hamdan, head of the Deir Jarir Council, explained that the settler had stopped Palestinian vehicles along the road before opening fire on a group of civilians who approached him. The incident sparked immediate fear among nearby residents.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society confirmed Ajaj's death and reported two additional injuries: one person was shot in the abdomen and another in the groin. Emergency teams quickly provided aid, reflecting the urgent humanitarian challenges that arise from settler-related violence.
Settler violence across the occupied West Bank has sharply increased since October 2023. Reports indicate repeated attacks including road blockades, the torching of farmland, and targeting private property, affecting both safety and livelihoods of Palestinian communities.
According to WAFA, Ajaj is the 13th Palestinian killed by settlers in 2025 and the 34th since October 7, 2023. This latest tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict and the pressing need for interventions to protect civilians in contested areas.
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