TEL, West Bank — An Israeli settler and four Palestinians were killed on Friday during a violent confrontation near the Palestinian village of Tel, southwest of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
Several others were wounded on both sides during the incident, which took place near the settlement outpost of Havat Gilad, an area that has witnessed repeated tensions and clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents.
The Israeli military said a group of Israeli civilians, including children, entered an area near Tel village without prior coordination with the army, where civilian access is restricted. According to the military, a confrontation broke out after the group approached the outskirts of the village.
The army said Israeli civilians fired shots into the air during the confrontation and that members of the Havat Gilad civilian security team arrived at the scene. It said a Palestinian man took the weapon of the settlement's security coordinator and opened fire, killing Benayahu Mellet, 32, and injuring several Israelis, including a security officer.
Palestinian officials said the confrontation began after Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli forces, entered the outskirts of village near a mosque. Local residents said clashes broke out between Palestinians and the settlers, during which gunfire was exchanged.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said four Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire during the incident and that four others were wounded, including three who are in critical condition. The bodies were transferred to Rafidia Governmental Hospital in Nablus, where funeral processions were held later.
The Israeli military said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the Palestinians, while Israeli authorities continued a search operation for those involved in the shooting.
Following the clash, Israeli forces deployed additional troops, including special units and armored vehicles, around Tel village and nearby areas. The military imposed temporary movement restrictions and established checkpoints as part of ongoing security operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security assessment with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet chief David Zini following the incident. Israeli officials called for a strong response, with some far-right ministers urging additional measures in the West Bank, including settlement expansion and punitive actions against Palestinian communities.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said the latest deaths bring the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the beginning of 2026 to 86, including 21 killed by Israeli settlers.
Photos by Hilel Ben Or and Nedal Shtieh / JNA Press.
Saeed Qaq
Author at JNA Press
Saeed Qaq is a Palestinian photojournalist and visual storyteller based in Jerusalem. With extensive experience covering conflict, politics, religion, humanitarian issues, and social affairs, his work has been recognized internationally and published by leading media organizations. Through a commitment to accuracy, ethics, and powerful visual journalism, he documents the stories, people, and events shaping the Middle East and beyond.
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