Teen arrested in lynch probe
18-year-old West Bank resident charged with lynching Palestinian teenager during riot at illegal outpost last week
BEER SHEVA - An 18-year-old resident of the West Bank was arrested Sunday on suspicion he was a "central figure" in last week's stoning attack on a Palestinian teenager in the Gaza Strip.
Wounded Khaled al-Astel (Photo: Reuters)
Police investigators say they have photographic proof of the suspect's involvement in the incident.
Following the incident, the IDF declared the Gaza Strip a closed military zone and stormed the Maoz Hayam Hotel that had become a command center for right-wing extremists protesting disengagement.
Photojournalists identified three teenagers that threw stones at Khaled al-Astel. One, a resident of the West Bank, was arrested by a police detective.
The suspect resisted arrest, and has refused to cooperate with the investigation.
"He is treating us like he treats Palestinians," said one police detective. "But we don't need him to talk. The pictures say it all."
31 arrested, 23 kids
Police are also searching for two other suspects in connection with the lynch. They are currently waiting for more journalist photos from the Tel Yam outpost to help identify other participants.
To date, police have arrested 31 people, including 23 youths, suspected of throwing stones and rioting near the illegal outpost.
In recent days, the Beer Sheva Magistrates Court has released seven people, and the Supreme Court is expected to discuss the case Monday.
Lawyers and family members of the accused have criticized their detention.
Human brutality
An Israeli eyewitness described the incident to Ynet:
"While settlers and Palestinians were throwing stones at each other, the kid tried to cross the street. I didn't understand why he would do it, but when he did some soldiers caught him, and one of them put him in a corner."
"When he got to the corner, he appeared to be unconscious. Many settlers started to beat the Palestinian with all their strength. Some kicked him mercilessly in the stomach and head, others punched him. Some threw stones at him from close range, or used rocks to pummel him," the eyewitness said.
"It was terrible. It was human brutality at its worst. The Palestinian kid lay there helpless. They could have finished him off."
