September 14th 2024.
Tragedy struck in the occupied West Bank as a United Nations staff member, Sufyan Jaber Abed Jawwad, was among ten people killed during an Israeli military operation. The Israeli military and UN confirmed the news on Friday, sending shockwaves through the international community.
Jawwad, a sanitation worker in El Far'a Camp, was tragically shot and killed by a sniper while on the roof of his home on the morning of September 12. According to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees, he received three shots in the chest while enjoying a cup of coffee. Juliette Touma, the agency's communications director, also confirmed the devastating news to CNN.
However, the Israeli military has accused Jawwad and the other victims of being "terrorists." Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, stated that Jawwad was killed in an operation in the Far'a area and claimed that he was posing a threat by "hurling explosive devices" at the forces. Shoshani added that Jawwad was known to the security forces and had been involved in previous terrorist activities.
The IDF also reported that during the operation, they discovered and dismantled a vehicle rigged with explosives, explosives laboratories, operational communications rooms, and weapons. These findings were made in the areas where the other victims were killed, according to the IDF.
Jawwad's death marks the first time in over ten years that a UNRWA staffer has been killed in the West Bank. He leaves behind a wife and five children, who are now left to grieve the loss of their beloved family member.
In response to Jawwad's killing, Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning it as a "heinous crime." The IDF has previously expressed mistrust towards some UNRWA staffers and accused them of being involved in the October 7 terror attack on Israel.
The recent Israeli operations in the West Bank have had a severe impact on humanitarian resources, leaving the refugee camps of El Far'a, Tulkarem, Nur Shams, and Jenin in a dire state. Basic infrastructure, including water and electricity, has been destroyed, and the UNWRA has been forced to suspend its services to refugees in the area due to the unacceptable risk posed by both Israeli and Palestinian groups.
This tragic incident comes amidst increasing Israeli military action in the West Bank, which has drawn criticism from the international community. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently called for fundamental changes to the way Israeli forces operate in the occupied territory after the killing of American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi during a protest. The IDF has acknowledged that she was "hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF fire."
The loss of Jawwad and the other victims is a devastating reminder of the ongoing conflict and violence in the region. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time.
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