IDF soldier suspected of seriously wounding Palestinian at West Bank checkpoint
Soldier allegedly struck man in the head with rifle butt; IDF vows to open investigation.
By Yuval Azoulay Tags: Israel news West Bank Palestinians IDFAn Israel Defense Forces soldier is suspected of seriously wounding a Palestinian man at the West Bank checkpoint of Hawara, after he allegedly struck him in the head with the butt of his rifle.
The IDF has pledged to open an investigation, adding that they suspect the soldier felt threatened.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the checkpoint outside Nablus, after the victim, Mahmoud Awad's brother was involved in a scuffle with other Palestinian youths at the checkpoint.
Mahmoud reportedly saw his brother then being taken for questioning, and requested to speak to him.
A witness said at this point a soldier approached Mahmoud, and without saying a word, struck him in the head with his rifle, at which point he lost consciousness.
A Palestinian taxi driver evacuated Mahmoud to a local hospital. His brother, who was still handcuffed, managed to jump in the car and evade arrest, saying his handcuffs were later taken off at the hospital.
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