Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in occupied West Bank

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces on Friday in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The Health Ministry said it was notified through the Civil Affairs Authority, the Palestinian Authority’s official liaison office with the Israeli authorities, on the death of a Palestinian near an Israeli military checkpoint west of Ramallah city.

Witnesses told Anadolu that the Israeli forces opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle near the Rantis checkpoint linking the West Bank and Israel.

The Israeli army claimed that a suspect arrived at the checkpoint with an apparent "stolen car." "While (Israeli) soldiers inspected his vehicle, the suspect attacked an (Israeli) soldier and attempted to steal his weapon," the army's statement said.

It also said another soldier opened fire on the suspect and "neutralized him."

The Israeli army added that it is checking the background of the incident whether it is a criminal-related one, due to the claim that a stolen car is involved.

Tensions have been running high across the occupied West Bank in recent months amid repeated Israeli raids into Palestinian towns.

According to Palestinian figures, more than 155 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year. At least 21 Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara.