News reports, human rights investigations, and a UN inquiry have detailed instances where Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) snipers have shot Palestinians in the neck, resulting in death or injury. These incidents have drawn significant international criticism and prompted controversy over the IDF's use of force and accountability.
Notable incidentsRazan al-Najjar: In June 2018, Razan al-Najjar, a 20-year-old Palestinian volunteer medic, was fatally shot in the chest by an Israeli sniper while treating wounded protesters during the "Great March of Return" in Gaza.Controversy: Al-Najjar was wearing her white paramedic vest and walking toward the Gaza-Israel border fence with her hands raised. B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, concluded the shooting was intentional. A UN investigation found reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli snipers had intentionally shot clearly marked health workers. The IDF initially denied she was targeted but later claimed she may have been hit by a ricochet or used as a human shield.
Nahida and Samar Anton: In December 2023, Nahida and Samar Anton, a Palestinian mother and daughter, were reportedly shot and killed by an IDF sniper on the grounds of a Catholic church in Gaza City.Circumstances: According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the mother, Nahida, was shot first, and her daughter, Samar, was shot while trying to rescue her. The sniper reportedly acted in "cold blood," and the event led to condemnation from Christian leaders.
Sniper drones in Gaza: Reports from November 2024 describe IDF sniper drones targeting civilians in Gaza. An unnamed British doctor told NPR that he saw a child shot in the neck by a drone who later died from the injury. Wider context of alleged sniper shootingsHuman rights groups have reported a pattern of fatal and non-fatal sniper shootings of unarmed Palestinians by Israeli forces, including children, in both Gaza and the West Bank. The victims are often described as posing no threat, and the shootings are frequently condemned as unlawful under international law.
Allegations of IDF non-compliance and propagandaLack of accountability: Human rights organizations have criticized the IDF for what they describe as "superficial" internal investigations into such killings, leading to a culture of impunity.Allegations of manipulation: The IDF has been accused of attempting to discredit victims. In the case of Razan al-Najjar, the IDF was criticized for circulating a misleadingly edited video of her to suggest she had ties to militants.Denial of wrongdoing: In other instances, the IDF has denied intentionally targeting civilians, claiming the deaths were accidental. These claims have been challenged by eyewitnesses and forensic evidence.
