Palestinian dies a day after clash with IDF in West Bank
18-year-old shot by soldiers in attempt to cross security barrier succumbs to his wounds; army says it’ll open an inquiry
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A Palestinian teenager, who was shot by Israeli troops while trying to cross the security barrier in the northern West Bank, died of his injuries Tuesday, medical and security sources said.
“Mohammed Yehya, aged 18, died in Nablus hospital after being shot in the leg yesterday (Monday) night during an Israeli army operation in Araqa village west of Jenin,” a medical source said.
The Palestinian Maan news agency reported, however, the Yehya had been shot in his lower abdomen and was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
According to the outlet, he underwent surgery before he was pronounced dead.
The Israeli Defense Forces said soldiers had opened fire on a group of Palestinians who were seen trying to cross the barrier close to the Jewish settlement of Shaked.
“Yesterday, a group of Palestinians was spotted trying to cross the security fence near the community of Shaked not far from Araqa village,” a military spokeswoman said.
According to the army, the Palestinians had also thrown rocks at the soldiers.
“The force ordered them to stop and when they refused to comply, they opened fire targeting their legs. A Palestinian was hit,” she said.
The military prosecutor has opened an inquiry, she added.
The barrier is a vast structure, most of it built inside the West Bank, that divides Israel and its main settlement blocs from the rest of the territory.
Israel refers to it as the “security fence” and insists it is crucial for keeping out would-be attackers.
AFP contributed to this report
The Times of Israel Community.