Israeli forces kill Palestinian woman in West Bank: Palestinian ministry
Jerusalem - Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian woman in the occupied West Bank on Mon
day, the Palestinian health ministry said, while the army
confirmed raids and a shooting incident in the area.
The Israeli Defense Forces reported that its soldiers had fired at a car that was speeding toward them and that ‘hits were identified’, but without confirming the fatality.
The Palestinian ministry announced ‘the death of a citizen after being shot in the head by occupation (Israeli) soldiers’, at sunrise in Beitunia, near Ramallah in the West Bank.
She was later identified as 19year-old Sana al-tal.
The Israeli army statement said that its forces had ‘ conducted counterterrorism activities’ in several West Bank locations early on Monday, including Beitunia.
“During the activity in the town of Beitunia, the soldiers
identified a suspicious vehicle approaching them,” the statement added.
“The soldiers signalled the driver of the vehicle to stop, but he accelerated toward them.
“In response, the soldiers shot at the vehicle. Hits were identified. The incident is under re
view,” the army added, without
commenting specifically on the reported fatality.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Six Day War.
Violence in the territory has soared since March as Israel has launched near daily raids in response to series of deadly attacks on Israelis.
Man killed
Meanwhile, an Israel soldier shot
dead a man in a city north of Tel Aviv on Monday, reportedly having mistaken him for a Palestinian attacker.
Police confirmed the soldier opened fire after feeling ‘unsafe as a citizen approached in a suspicious manner’ at a bus station in Ra’anana, also leaving two others injured.
The army did not immediately comment on the incident and police gave no details on the identity of the victim, saying only that his mental health was being investigated.
Multiple Israeli media outlets reported that the soldier feared being targeted by a Palestinian assailant.
National service is mandatory for Israeli men and women over 18, and soldiers are commonly seen carrying their firearms in public, including
while off duty.