Atallah Mohammad Rayan

Their life

Atallah Mohammad Rayan, 17, was a Palestinian teenager from Qarawat Bani Hassan, northwest of Salfit in the central West Bank. He was killed on January 26, 2021, when Israeli soldiers shot him near the Giti Avishar junction close to the illegal Ariel colony. His death came under disputed circumstances, with the Israeli army alleging an attempted stabbing, while Palestinian and eyewitness reports described excessive violence and denial of medical aid.

Atallah Mohammad Rayan, born and raised in Qarawat Bani Hassan, was a 17-year-old Palestinian youth whose life was cut short during an incident with Israeli soldiers near Salfit on January 26, 2021. The Israeli army alleged that Atallah attempted to stab a female soldier at the Giti Avishar junction, prompting soldiers to open fire. However, Palestinian sources and eyewitnesses reported a different account, stating that the teenager was first shot, then beaten on the ground, and struck multiple times on the head with soldiers’ rifles, causing fatal injuries. Witnesses emphasized that no medical aid was provided, and Atallah was left to bleed until he died. His killing sparked protests in his hometown, Qarawat Bani Hassan, where Israeli soldiers responded with tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets, and raids on his family home. Atallah’s death highlights the ongoing pattern of deadly encounters between Palestinian youth and Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.

How they died

He was killed and Gunshot wounds inflicted by Israeli soldiers.

Atallah Rayan died after being shot with several live rounds by Israeli soldiers during the incident near the Giti Avishar junction. Eyewitnesses stated that after being shot and immobilized, he was beaten on the ground, including being struck multiple times on the head with rifles, which likely caused fatal head trauma. He was left without medical assistance until he succumbed to his wounds at the scene.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Atallah Mohammad Rayan, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources