Israel To Release Body of Slain Palestinian Friday

25 Jan

11:04 PM

The body of a 60-year old Palestinian who was shot and killed by Israeli forces while trying to turn his car around near an illegal Israeli settlement in December is being released by Israeli authorities on Friday after being held for 40 days.

A Palestinian businessman, Hamdan Tawfiq Arda, 60, was shot in the head, by Israeli soldiers, with live rounds, for what Israeli soldiers initially tried to claim was an attempted “ramming” of the soldiers.

The eyewitness accounts conflicted with the soldiers’ claims of intent to harm, forcing the army to change their statement.

Eyewitnesses said it was an “accident, with the driver surprised with Israeli soldiers in his way and attempted to turn away from them before they heavily opened fire at him.”

The killing of Arda came two days after two Israeli paramilitary settlers were killed by a Palestinian on December 12, 2018, near the illegal colony of Ofra, located on stolen Palestinian land in the Ramallah district.

The Israeli military massively increased invasions in the area, setting up numerous checkpoints and invading homes and villages.

The 60-year old elder was targeted by Israeli soldiers who were part of that invasion.

Now, 40 days after his death, the Israeli authorities have announced they will release the body of the victim, on Friday, reported WAFA News Agency.

The family told WAFA that the Israeli authorities they were informed of the release, with no specific time given.

The Israeli authorities often withhold bodies of slain Palestinians, it is unknown what the rationale for this practice is.

But holding the bodies violates the tenets of Islam, which requires that a person be buried as soon after death as possible.