Palestinian police probe death in West Bank raid

Bystander killed in exchange of fire between PA security and a suspected arms dealer

Palestinian security officers in the West Bank city of Nablus (Wagdit Ashtiyeh/Flash90)
Palestinian security officers in the West Bank city of Nablus (Wagdit Ashtiyeh/Flash90)

RAMALLAH — Palestinian police say they are investigating the death of a man killed in a police raid on a West Bank refugee camp.

Police spokesman Adnan Damiri said Wednesday the death occurred the previous night as forces raided the Askar camp to apprehend a suspected arms dealer. The spokesman said gunmen shot at the security forces, who returned fire. He said bystander Amjad Odeh, 37, was killed in the crossfire.

In response to the killing, dozens of protesters in the nearby city of Nablus set fire to police stations.

Palestinian security forces have recently stepped up crackdowns on weapons dealing and possession in the West Bank. The Palestinians’ ability to enforce law and order is key to their statehood claims.

Damiri said the suspected arms dealer was arrested in the raid.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press

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