Church of the Nativity area in Bethlehem
Photo: AP
Palestinians: IDF troops killed Bethlehem teen
Sources in Bethlehem say 13-year-old killed when soldiers open fire at group of youths who stoned them near Church of the Nativity; troops entered city to apprehended wanted Palestinians
Palestinian sources in Bethlehem said Tuesday that a 13-year-old boy was killed by IDF fire during the army’s activity in the West Bank town.
The sources said Mohammed Omar Shawriya was shot by IDF troops who apparently entered the city to apprehend wanted Palestinians. According to the Palestinians, youths stoned troops who surrounded houses of gunmen or wanted Palestinians near the Church of the Nativity, where tradition says Jesus was born, and the soldiers opened fire, hitting Shawriya in the chest.
The Israeli military said soldiers fired after they were attacked by Palestinians. One soldier was lightly wounded in the incident, as were a number of passersby, including a woman who is listed in moderate condition.
Some 20 IDF vehicles participated in the operation, the sources said.
The IDF has recently intensified activities targeting wanted operatives and gunmen in the city. The IDF spokesperson's office stated that "the force that surrounded the house during the operation was attempting to arrest an operative in Bethlehem and encountered a violent riot - during which a grenade was thrown at the forces, injuring an IDF officer. The force responded by firing at the rioters, which resulted in the death of one person and the injury of two others."
Efrat Weiss and Reuters contributed to the report
