Palestinian teen killed by Israel army in West Bank

Jerusalem, PALESTINE – (AFP):

A Palestinian teenager was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in clashes that erupted during a Jewish pilgrimage to the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry identified the youngster as Ghaith Yamin, 16, who died of a head wound “after being shot by Israeli forces” during clashes near Joseph’s Tomb, outside the northern city of Nablus.

The Israeli army, which provides security for monthly pilgrimages to the site, said: “Hundreds of Palestinians took part in a violent riot as Jewish worshippers entered Joseph’s Tomb, throwing stones and firebombs at the forces.

“Soldiers responded with fire at a suspect throwing a firebomb. A hit was identified,” it said in a statement. “In addition, gunshots were heard in the area.”

The Palestinian Red Crescent said its medics treated four people wounded by rubber bullets and 36 who inhaled tear gas, as well as one person who fell during the clashes.

Tensions have been high in the West Bank for the past three months amid a wave of attacks on Israelis that led to arrests and clashes.

Nineteen people, mostly civilians — including 18 inside Israel and a Jewish West Bank settler — have been killed in attacks by Palestinians and Israeli Arabs since late March.

Israeli security forces have responded with raids inside Israel and the West Bank, particularly in the flashpoint northern district of Jenin.

Three Israeli Arab attackers and a police commando have died.

Thirty-four Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank — suspected militants but also non-combatants, including a journalist who was covering a raid in Jenin and bystanders.