Israeli Settler Accused of Killing Palestinian Activist and Oscar-Winning Documentary Crew Member
Israeli settler Yinon Levi, who was previously sanctioned by the U.S. and other countries, is accused of fatally shooting Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, a crew member of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land
. Levi has been placed under house arrest while the investigation into charges of reckless manslaughter and the use of an unlawful firearm continues. Meanwhile, Israeli military disrupted the funeral procession of Hathaleen, leading to widespread condemnation. Israeli authorities have yet to release Hathaleen's body to his family for burial.
Background and Context
Awdah Hathaleen, 31, a renowned human rights activist, and an English teacher, was fatally shot while trying to prevent settlers from bulldozing Palestinian lands. Hathaleen, also known for his role in the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land
, was shot in the village of Khirbet Umm Al-Khair, southeast of Yatta, in the Hebron Governorate.
The incident was captured on video, showing Levi firing indiscriminately at Palestinians. Levi, who was sanctioned by the U.S. and the European Union, was later removed from the sanctions list by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Developments
After the fatal shooting, Levi was arrested and placed under house arrest while Israeli police investigate him on charges of reckless manslaughter and use of an unlawful firearm. Al Jazeera reported that Levi expressed no remorse over the incident, stating he was glad about it
.
The Israeli military disrupted Hathaleen's funeral procession, assaulting mourners, and declared the entire area a closed military zone. Two foreign activists present at the funeral to show solidarity with Hathaleen's family were detained.
Israeli authorities have yet to release Hathaleen's body to his family for burial. It is part of the Islamic burial practices to lay the deceased to rest as soon as possible.
Reactions and Implications
The incident has drawn international attention, with calls for the U.S. to reimpose sanctions on Israeli settlers, including Levi. The killing of Hathaleen, a prominent figure in the Palestinian community, has heightened existing tensions.
The incident also has potential implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations, with critics arguing that it exemplifies the issues Palestinian activists face in their fight against illegal settlements.
Current Status
Currently, Levi remains under house arrest as the Israeli police continue their investigation. Hathaleen's body has not yet been returned to his family, with Israeli authorities refusing to permit Hathaleen to be buried in Umm al-Kheir, the village he lived in and was shot. The situation remains tense, with further developments being closely monitored by the international community.