Israel to build tougher fence near Hebron

JERUSALEM — Three Palestinians were shot and killed in separate clashes with Israeli security forces in the West Bank on Thursday as Israel announced plans to strengthen a fence near the flashpoint city of Hebron in an effort to contain a twomonth spate of violence. In the first incident, the Israeli military said a clash erupted after troops raided the village of Qattana overnight to search for ammunition and arrest suspected assailants. The Palestinians hurled firebombs and stones at troops, according to the army. Yehya Taha, 21, was shot in the head and later died, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Later in the day, Israeli border guards shot and killed a Palestinian attacker wielding a knife near the West Bank city of Nablus. Police said the man got out of a taxi near a military post and began running toward officers, brandishing a knife. No Israelis were hurt in that attack. Late Thursday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said a 21year-old Palestinian was killed in clashes with soldiers near Hebron in the West Bank. The Israeli military said the Palestinian was about to throw a firebomb at passing traffic when soldiers opened fire. The deaths were the latest in a two-month wave of violence. Since mid-September, 19 Israelis have died in Palestinian attacks, mostly stabbings and shootings. At least 94 Palestinians have also died, including 58 said by Israel to be attackers.