Israeli Settlers, Forces Kill 11 Palestinians in West Bank amid Gaza War
Israeli settlers opened fire at worshippers leaving Friday prayers in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, as at least 11 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces in separate incidents in the territory.
Footage published by the Israeli B'Tselem human rights organisation showed a settler shooting a Palestinian at point-blank range in the village of Tawani, southeast of Masafer Yatta.
The Palestinian man was rushed to the nearby Abu Al-Hassan Al-Qasim Hospital in a critical condition.
Following the incident, Israeli troops opened fire on two other Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, shooting one in the chest and one in the head, according to the Wafa news agency.
At least 66 Palestinians were injured in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Palestinian health ministry confirmed.
Among the nine people killed was a 14-year-old boy, who was shot dead by the Israeli army in Nablus.
Three Palestinian men were also killed by troops in the city of Tulkarm during protests against Israel's bombing of Gaza, according to the health ministry. Several other demonstrators were wounded.
Elsewhere, a 23-year-old Palestinian man was shot dead by Israeli forces during protests in solidarity with Gaza in the Bab al-Zawyeh area of central Hebron.
Also in Hebron, 21-year-old Issa al-Amleh was killed when Israeli forces opened fire against protesters in the town of Beit Ula.
In the West Bank city of Tubas, a Palestinian was killed by Israeli troops after authorities violently cracked down on demonstrations. Israeli forces used live ammunition and tear gas, with several protesters suffering from tear gas inhalation.
In Ramallah, a Palestinian died in the Palestine Medical Complex after being shot several times in the head and chest, the health ministry said.
At least five Palestinians were also injured in Jerusalem after being assaulted by Israeli forces, while others were targeted by troops in Jenin.
Groups of Israeli settlers are also inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank through social media.
Palestinian activists monitoring social media told Middle East Eye they had found examples of Israeli settlers posting pictures of former prisoners via Whatsapp groups, and sharing details about them.
More than five of those former detainees were subsequently arrested by Israeli authorities, they added.
Source: middleeasteye.net
