Mohannad Yousef Mteir
Deliberately rammed by an Israeli colonial settler while fixing a flat tire near Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus.
Deliberately rammed by an Israeli colonial settler while fixing a flat tire near Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus.
Biography
Full Name: Mohannad Yousef Mteir
Date of Birth: 1985
Age at Death: 37
Place of Birth: Qalandia Refugee Camp, occupied West Bank
Date of Death: December 18, 2022
Cause of Death: Deliberately struck by an Israeli settler in a hit-and-run attack near Za’tara checkpoint, south of Nablus.
Burial Site: Qalandia Refugee Camp
Early Life & Family
Mohannad Yousef Mteir was born and raised in Qalandia Refugee Camp, a crowded Palestinian community established in 1949 for refugees displaced during the Nakba. The camp, located just north of Jerusalem, is surrounded by Israeli military checkpoints and settlements, making daily life difficult due to movement restrictions and frequent raids.
Mohannad was part of a large, close-knit family. He had at least four brothers, including Mohammad (37), who was killed alongside him, and Ahmad, who witnessed the attack. The family often traveled between cities in the West Bank despite the risks posed by Israeli military and settler presence.
Final Day: A Targeted Killing
On December 18, 2022, Mohannad, his brothers, and their families went shopping in Nablus to prepare for two upcoming family celebrations:
Their niece’s wedding
Their sister’s engagement
On their way back to Qalandia, their car had a flat tire, forcing them to pull over near the Za’tara military checkpoint, a known flashpoint for settler and military violence. While fixing the tire, an Israeli settler in a speeding car deliberately swerved toward them, ramming into Mohannad and Mohammad.
Eyewitness Account (Ahmad, Mohannad’s brother):
"It wasn’t an accident—he saw us and aimed at us."
The area was well-lit, with clear visibility, ruling out an accidental collision.
The attacker fled the scene without stopping.
Aftermath:
Mohammad died instantly at the scene.
Mohannad suffered severe injuries and later died at an Israeli hospital.
Three other family members were injured.
Funeral & Public Mourning
Their bodies were taken to Ramallah’s Palestine Medical Complex before being transported to Qalandia.
Hundreds of Palestinians attended the funeral, condemning the attack and calling for justice.
No Israeli settlers or soldiers were held accountable for the killings.
Legacy & Significance
Mohannad’s death is part of a broader pattern of settler violence in the West Bank, where attacks often go unpunished. According to UN and human rights groups, settler attacks have surged in recent years, with Palestinians facing arson, shootings, and vehicular assaults with little to no legal consequences for perpetrators.
His story reflects:
The vulnerability of Palestinians under occupation, even during mundane activities like car repairs.
The systemic impunity enjoyed by violent settlers, backed by Israeli military and legal systems.
Palestinian resilience, as seen in the mass turnout for his funeral.
Further Context
Qalandia Refugee Camp: Home to ~12,000 Palestinians, surrounded by Israeli checkpoints and the separation wall.
Settler Violence Trends: 2022 was one of the deadliest years for Palestinians in the West Bank, with over 170 killed (per UN OCHA).
Additional Information
Sources & References
Mohannad Yousef Mteir, 37, was murdered when an Israeli settler deliberately rammed his vehicle into him and his older brother, Mohammad, as they repaired a flat tire near the Za'tara military checkpoint south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. The assailant fled the scene after the attack.1 israelpalestinetimeline.org Open source