Al-Yamoun, West Bank — In a tragic incident that underscores the ongoing violence against Palestinians, a 13-year-old boy, Rayan Tamer Anwar Houshyeh, was shot dead by an Israeli sniper during a military raid in the northern occupied West Bank on Wednesday, reported the CNN.
The deadly shooting occurred during an Israeli military incursion into the town of Al-Yamoun, located northwest of Jenin. According to Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP), the child was observing Israeli forces from behind a stone wall near the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque when he was struck by sniper fire.
The sniper, reportedly positioned on the roof of a Palestinian home, fired at Rayan from an estimated distance of 50 to 60 meters (approximately 164 to 197 feet), hitting him in the neck, abdomen, and thigh. Witnesses say Rayan took two steps backward and collapsed. As other youths rushed to aid him, the sniper continued firing, obstructing their attempts to help.
An ambulance eventually reached the scene and transported Rayan to Al-Hadaf Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“Israeli forces routinely carry out military incursions into Palestinian communities with absolutely no consequence,” said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, accountability program director at DCIP. “Israeli soldiers entered Rayan’s hometown, killed him without a second thought, and no one will be held responsible. This is Palestinian childhood today.”
The raid began around 1 p.m. and involved multiple heavily armoured Israeli military vehicles. Infantry units pursued Palestinian youths and set up ambushes across the town. One Palestinian home was occupied by Israeli soldiers and used as a sniper base, with the resident family confined to a single room.
According to DCIP, Rayan Houshyeh is the 30th Palestinian child killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank since the beginning of 2025.
The ongoing Israeli use of lethal force against Palestinian children has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations. International law permits the use of lethal force only when absolutely necessary to protect life. However, advocates say Israeli forces continue to operate with impunity, often carrying out deliberate and unlawful killings that violate international human rights standards.
This incident adds to growing concerns about Israel’s escalating military aggression in Palestinian territories and the lack of accountability for crimes against children.
