A Palestinian teenager was killed Friday by Israeli troops during West Bank protests, the Palestinian health ministry said, days after Israel approved plans for 3,000 new settler homes in the occupied territory despite international criticism.
Friday, the Muslim day of rest and worship, is often marked by protests in the West Bank against the expansion of Israeli settlements, which most of the international community regards as illegal.
The health ministry said Mohammed Daadas, 13, died in hospital after being shot in the stomach during clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces in Deir al-Hatab village, east of Nablus.
Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said Friday the death of Daadas was “organised state terrorism”, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The Israeli army, contacted by AFP, said the incident was under review.
“A riot was instigated on a route adjacent to Elon Moreh community,” it said.
Troops responded with “riot dispersal means and live fire” at people who “hurled rocks” at soldiers.
Five other Palestinians were injured Friday in clashes in Beita and Beit Dajan villages in the northern West Bank, Wafa said.
The Israeli military told AFP troops used “riot dispersal means” at two sites where “approximately 140 violent rioters hurled rocks” at troops.
The confrontations come days after Israel on October 27 announced it would advance plans for 3,000 more homes for Jewish settlers in the West Bank, despite international criticism. —AFP
