Israeli forces kill Palestinian in Jerusalem clashes

By Anees Barghouti

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - A young Palestinian man was shot dead Tuesday during clashes with Israeli forces in a northern district of occupied Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

"Ahmad Otham, 19, was critically injured after a bullet fired by an Israeli sniper struck his chest during clashes with Israeli forces in the Kafr Aqab neighborhood," the ministry said in a statement.

"The injured Palestinian later succumbed to his injuries in a nearby hospital," it added.

Fierce clashes erupted Tuesday after Israeli vehicles entered Kafr Aqab in force to demolish the home of another Palestinian slain earlier.

According to Palestinian figures, more than 250 Palestinians have been killed since an uptick in Israeli-Palestinian violence began late last year.

Israel, for its part, says 42 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Palestinians over the same period.