Summary execution of Qusay Maher Halaika

On January 28, 2026, Qusay Maher Ismail Halaika (قصي ماهر إسماعيل حلايقة), 28, from Al-Shuyukh, was shot dead by Israeli forces at the Tunnels (Al-Anfaq) checkpoint, between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

As usual in this kind of event there are two accounts of the circumstances:

• Israeli police version: "stabling attack". He approached the checkpoint on foot. During a routine identity check, he reportedly presented his ID before pulling out a knife and attempting to stab security personnel. A commander of the Military Police's Erez Battalion shot him. No Israeli personnel were injured.

• Palestinian sources: "summary execution". Israeli forces opened fire on him and left him bleeding on the ground. His body was subsequently withheld by Israeli authorities.

Al Jazeera reported that a short video circulating on X appeared to show Halaika fending someone off and then running away before being shot. The Ministry of Health confirms the martyrdom of the young man Qusay Maher Halaika (28 years old) from the town of Al-Shuyoukh, at the tunnels checkpoint between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and the Israeli army is holding his body.

Aftermath:

Pretexting cunter-terrorism operation Israeli forces stormed several areas across the occupied West Bank, including the home of Qusay Halaiaka in Sa’ir. Two of Halaika’s brothers were arrested during the raid.

Name of the martyr:

Qusay Maher Ismail Halaika, 28