An unarmed Palestinian man from Rahat, in the Negev, was shot and killed by Israeli Border Police officers before dawn Saturday during what authorities described as a pursuit through one of the city’s neighborhoods.
The victim was identified as Ahmad Said an-Na’ami, 50, a resident of Neighborhood 2 in Rahat, the largest Bedouin city in the Negev
Israeli media outlets, including Ynet, reported that medics from Magen David Adom pronounced him dead at the scene.
According to the police account, Border Police reserve units were operating in Rahat when they allegedly spotted a “suspicious vehicle and signaled the driver to stop.”
The officers claim the man fled in his car and later continued on foot, prompting two officers to pursue him.
Police further alleged that the officers carried out “arrest procedures,” including firing warning shots, before catching up with an-Na’ami.
They claim he “resisted arrest and assaulted the two officers,” who then opened fire, allegedly fearing for their lives. Israeli police stated that the incident has been referred to the relevant authorities for review.
The fatal shooting of Ahmad al‑Na’ami by Israeli police has prompted renewed calls for a transparent investigation, amid growing public skepticism toward the recurring police narrative that officers opened fire after allegedly “feeling threatened” by Arab citizens.
