Israeli troops kill Palestinian teen during clashes
Palestinian officials say Ahmed Hazem Atta was killed by Israeli security forces in Beit Rima, near Ramallah.
Israeli forces have shot dead a Palestinian teenager during a confrontation in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said.
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Security officials said troops entered the village of Beit Rima, near Ramallah, after midnight on Sunday and were confronted by stone-throwing youths.
The Palestinian health ministry said Ahmed Hazem Atta, 19, was killed in the ensuing army fire.
An Israeli army spokeswoman said that there was a “violent riot” at Beit Rima, but could not confirm the death.
“Dozens of rioters hurled rocks at security forces injuring a border police soldier,” she said.
“In order to prevent an escalation of violence forces responded with riot dispersal means, and fired toward main instigators,” she added.
The spokeswoman told the AFP news agency there were “reports of a rioter killed and another injured and they’re being looked into”.
READ MORE: Palestinian killed after stabbing attack – Israel army
Since October 2015, 244 Palestinians – including attackers, unarmed protesters, and bystanders – have been killed in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Thirty-six Israelis, two Americans, a Jordanian, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have also been killed.
Most of the Palestinians killed were accused by Israel of carrying out a knife, gun or car-ramming attack.
Others were shot dead during protests or clashes, while some died in Israeli air strikes on Gaza.
Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with the Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, stalled peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have helped feed the unrest.
Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause.