Palestinian Killed by Misfired Firearm in Nablus

Field Update

On 23 December 2021, a Palestinian male died after his friend’s firearm misfired in Nablus. This incident highlights the state of proliferation of weapons and negligent care for firearms in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), jeopardizing public life and citizens’ the right to life.

According to PCHR information, at approximately 11:30 on Thursday, 23 December 2021, Odai Nedal Abdul-hadi al-Kharouf (20) sustained a lived bullet in the neck, which was fired from a gun. The incident took place in front of the Najah University’s new campus, in Rafidia neighborhood, western Nablus city. Al-Kharouf was transported to the Arab Specialized Hospital in Nablus, and he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Spokesperson of the Palestinian police, Colonel Lo’ay Zreqiaqt, stated that A 20-year-old male was shot and killed in Nablus. He added that police have commenced investigation in the incident.

For his part, Colonel Amjad Faratehe, Media Director at Nablus Police, stated that the police opened an investigation into the death of a young male after he arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound.

PCHR expresses its concern for the increasing number of victims falling due to use or misuse of firearms in the oPt and calls upon concerned authorities to take the necessary measures to protect civilians from the threats of firearms.