Palestinian girl loses life to Israeli bullets while looking for her cat

By Qais Abu Samra

JENIN, Palestine (AA) – Jana Majdi Zakarneh, a 16-year-old Palestinian girl, lost her life to an Israeli bullet as she was looking for her missing cat.

Zakarneh was shot in the head atop the roof of her house in the West Bank city of Jenin on Monday during an Israeli military raid in her neighborhood.

The Israeli army admitted that its forces had “accidentally” shot the Palestinian girl, with outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid expressing sorrow over her death.

The girl’s death has triggered calls from Palestinian officials for launching an international investigation into her killing by Israeli forces.

“Jana was afraid for her cat. She went to check on her and offer her food on the roof, but she did not return,” her uncle, Majid Zakarneh, told Anadolu Agency.

“She was killed in cold blood. She was hit by four bullets, two of which struck her head and face. The bullets were intended to kill her,” he said.

The angry uncle called for bringing Israeli officials to accountability over the young girl’s death.

“Our people need international protection because innocent people are killed in every Israeli raid,” he said.

The traces of the Palestinian girl's killing are still visible on the roof of her family's house as her blood was scattered on the roof.

Jana Abu al-Dahab can’t believe the quick demise of her close friend.

“She had many dreams in this life, but the Israeli occupation had stolen everything from her,” she said.

"She was the best of people. She was loved by everyone, and never refused to assist anyone who asks for her help,” Abu al-Dahab said.

Israeli forces raid Palestinian towns in the West Bank daily to arrest what they say "wanted” Palestinians, triggering clashes with residents, which caused several fatalities.

About 150 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli army fire in the West Bank and east Jerusalem this year, making it the deadliest year since 2006.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi contributed to this report