A sharp rise has been recorded in the deaths of Palestinian teenagers amid Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank. According to a new UNICEF report, since the Israeli military campaign began in January 2025, an average of one Palestinian child has been killed every week in the West Bank.
15-year-old teenager shot dead in Nablus
On April 23, 15-year-old Youssef Shtayyeh was shot dead in the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. According to eyewitnesses, a group of youths were standing by the roadside as an Israeli military convoy was passing through, when soldiers got out of a military vehicle and opened fire.
Seriously injured, Youssef was taken to the hospital, where he died during surgery. Surgeon Dr. Baha Fattouh said that the bullet entered through his back and exited through his chest.
Doctors say injuries are becoming more deadly
Medical staff in the West Bank say that since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the nature of injuries suffered by the wounded has become far more lethal. According to doctors, earlier injuries were mostly to the arms and legs or caused by rubber bullets, but now most cases involve life-threatening gunshot wounds to the chest and head. Dr. Fattouh said that hospitals are receiving injuries that appear to be “designed to kill,” and many patients die during surgery.
42 Palestinians killed in 2025 over allegations of stone-throwing
According to Israeli media, IOF General Avi Bluth acknowledged that 42 Palestinians have been killed so far in 2025 over allegations of stone-throwing. Families of the deceased teenagers and local Palestinians have criticized the use of lethal force against unarmed youths. Youssef Shtayyeh’s father, Sameh Shtayyeh, said, “Even if he had thrown stones, what difference does it make? What threat did he pose to a military patrol?”
Increased military operations and violence in the West Bank
Since the start of the Gaza war, incidents of Israeli raids, arrests, targeted killings, and damage to infrastructure have steadily increased in areas of the occupied West Bank such as Jenin, Nablus, and Tulkarm.
Human rights organizations and United Nations agencies have warned that the deaths of Palestinian children are steadily increasing and that the use of live ammunition against minors is also rising.