Police officers kill Palestinian in Jaffa market
Police claim illegal resident accidentally killed after refusing to stop, attempting to snatch policeman's weapon. Police activity in area boosted for fear of disturbances
The incident took place shortly after 8 a.m. Border Guard officers patrolled the market in search of illegal residents. The officers signaled to several of the market visitors to stop near a construction site.
According to the police, one of the people had no intention of turning himself in: He attacked a policeman and tried to snatch his weapon.
During the struggle, according to the police's version, the illegal resident was accidentally shot. A Magen David Adom crew was dispatched to the area, and shortly afterwards determined the Palestinian's death.
Police dispatched to scene of incident (Photo: Ofer Amram)
The Tel Aviv District Police launched an investigation into the affair. Meanwhile, large police forces were dispatched to the area in light of past experience, when such incidents led to anger and disturbances.
United Arab List-Ta'al chairman Talab El-Sana said, "The policeman's hand was lose on the trigger. Nothing has changed since the October riots. Only a few days ago Israeli Arab citizens held a protest in remembrance of the October riots, but it seems the police have not drawn lessons from these events. It is not only the shooter's responsibility but also that of the forgiving state – which is interpreted as giving a green light to kill innocent citizens."
Police said that crime dropped significantly since police boosted its presence in Tel Aviv, saying that operations against illegal aliens are of utmost importance.
A Palestinian illegal alien recently arrested near Tel Aviv admitted to having assisted a suicide bomber who carried out an attack at the My Coffee Shop café in March 2002.
Roee Nahmias contributed to the report
