Israel's internal affairs department said it would not prosecute police officers involved in an alleged shooting with a sponge-tipped bullet that took out the eye of a Palestinian boy.
The family of Malek Issa, 9, who now has a glass eye, said the boy was hit by a non-lethal round used for crowd control in February while he was buying a sandwich in the Issawiya neighbourhood in East Jerusalem.
Police at the time said they were responding to a riot in the area.
The Israeli Justice Ministry said that after an exhaustive investigation, its internal affairs department "concluded there was not sufficient evidence to press criminal charges", AFP reported.
It said the police suspected of firing the round had "encountered resistance that included throwing stones" while on their way to make an arrest.
"During the activity, a sponge bullet was fired toward a wall, which was not close to where the boy was standing," the ministry said in the decision.
It said a medical investigation could not rule out the possibility that Malek lost his eye "from a stone and not the sponge bullet".
While the force was cleared of criminal responsibility, the internal affairs department called for a police inquiry into the incident, "including regarding the use of a sponge rifle during operational activity near civilians", the ministry said.
"This is a serious and saddening incident that took place during operational activity," it said.
On Thursday, the police’s internal investigations unit announced it had closed its investigation into the serious injury of Malek.
“The Police Internal Investigations Department came to the conclusion that there is no substantial evidence to warrant prosecution,” it said.
On Friday, a Palestinian teenager was killed in on the sidelines of a protest in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
THE APPRENTICE
Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 3/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Specs
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Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
SPECS
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
