The lifeless body of a missing Israeli teenager, Benjamin Achimeir, was discovered in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, leading Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to condemn the incident as a "heinous murder". According to reports, the 14-year-old Achimeir went missing on Friday from the Malachi Hashalom outpost near the city of Ramallah, triggering a large-scale search operation and sparking attacks on Palestinian villages on Friday and Saturday.
In response to the tragic discovery, Israel PM Netanyahu stated, "The heinous murder of the boy... is a serious crime." He further added, "Israeli forces are in an intensive pursuit after the heinous murderers and all those who collaborated with them", as quoted by news agency AFP.
The Israeli army and security forces confirmed the finding of Achimeir's body, which was located nearby the area from where he disappeared.
The incident has occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, adding to the already volatile situation in the region.
In the wake of Achimeir's disappearance, Israeli security forces, along with hundreds of volunteers, mobilised to form a search party. During the search, Jewish settlers, who were part of the manhunt, reportedly conducted a raid on the village of Al-Mughayyir near Malachi Hashalom. The raid resulted in casualties, with at least one person killed and 25 others wounded, according to the Palestinian health ministry, AFP's report mentioned.
Additionally, overnight reports from the official Palestinian news agency indicated that five Palestinians were injured in another settler attack in the Abu Falah village near Ramallah.
Israeli Settlers Set Fire To Homes In al-Mughayyir, Douma Villages: Report
According to news agency AP, dozens of Israeli settlers reportedly returned to the outskirts of al-Mughayyir village on Saturday, where they set fire to 12 homes and several cars. The Palestinian Health Ministry stated that three individuals from the village were injured, with one in critical condition. Border police used tear gas to disperse villagers who had gathered in response.
In a nearby village called Douma, Israeli settlers allegedly set fire to several homes, according to Wafa, the official Palestinian news agency. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that six people were injured by gunfire, but did not specify who fired the shots, AP reported.
Tensions have been escalating in the West Bank, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in nearby Gaza on October 7. The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.