The IDF said it launched an investigation on Sunday morning after receiving reports of three Palestinians who were killed in an overnight attack by Israeli settlers on the village of Khirbet Abu Falah, north of Ramallah, in the West Bank.
Two of the Palestinians killed by the Israeli civilians were reportedly shot, while a third died of suffocation.
Palestinian Authority-controlled media WAFA identified the slain Palestinians as Thaer Farouq Hamayel, 24, and Farea Jawdat Hamayel, 57. WAFA claimed the third killed individual, 55-year-old Mohammad Hassan Murra died after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli forces in the area. Five others were wounded by gunfire, WAFA reported.
According to the IDF spokesperson, security forces were dispatched to the village after receiving reports of Palestinians being attacked near homes in the area.
On arrival, the IDF used crowd dispersal measures to end the altercation. A criminal investigation was opened shortly afterwards, the Israeli military added.
IDF commander denounces violent West Bank incident
"This is an unacceptable incident," IDF's Central Command Commander Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth stated.
"There will be zero tolerance for civilians who take the law into their own hands. These actions are dangerous, they do not represent the Jewish people or the State of Israel, and they divert us from our mission of defending the population and thwarting terrorism, while also undermining security and stability in the area.
"We are working together with all security agencies to quickly reach those responsible and bring them to justice," Bluth added, concluding with, "Especially at a time when the IDF is striking our bitter enemies, Iran and Hezbollah, with a firm hand - we cannot allow reckless internal violence to undermine the rule of law and the security of the region.”