Palestinian shot to death near Hebron; IDF says 'attacked soldier'
Palestinians clash with security forces, hurl Molotov cocktails in solidarity with Gazans; one protester shot. Palestinian shot in Saturday protest dies
The fighting in Gaza threatens to spark a wave of violence in the West Bank. A Palestinian was killed Monday by the IDF near the West Bank city of Halhul, north of Hebron. According to preliminary inquiry, the man, Hamdi Falah, was shot after he attacked an IDF soldier at the scene.
As riots erupted near the Halhul Bridge, stones were hurled at two Border Guard soldiers, who sustained light injuries as a result. IDF paramedics tended to the soldiers at scene.
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Falah, 25, resident of Hebron, was shot four times and died en route to hospital, Palestinians reported. According to eye witnesses, Falah stood far from the soldiers when he was shot, which contradicts the IDF's version of the events.
Earlier on Monday, Hundreds of Palestinian protesters clashed with security forces in several locations in the West Bank – at the Birzeit University, near the village of Furiq and around Camp Ofer.
The protesters hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at the security forces who responded with crowd-dispersal means.
Meanwhile, Rashid Tamimi, 31, who was hit by IDF fire during a Saturday protest against the IDF operation in Nabi Salah, has died of his wounds.
Tear gas in Kafr Halul (Photo: AFP)
Tamimi suffered abdomen wounds and succumbed to his wounds on Monday. A Youtube video shows him being taken away from the scene of the protest.
Palestinians also reported of clashes near Bitunia and in villages east of Hebron. Protest marches were held near Hebron and in villages south of Qalqilya.
Violent protest near Bethlehem (Photo: EPA)
Security forces fired at a Palestinian who was about to hurl a Molotov cocktail near the Beit Hadassah neighborhood in Hebron. His condition is unclear. Clashes ensued.
Meanwhile, Palestinians tried to cut through the fence of the Nahliel community in the West Bank leaving Palestinian and Hamas flags on the scene. They also left a note from Hamas' military wing, Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which gave the residents three days to leave their homes.
Earlier on Sunday, thousands of Palestinians, including senior officials from Fatah, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, rallied in Ramallah. They called for Palestinian unity and the end of the rift between the factions.
In the morning, dozens protested near Route 443 and cut the separation fence. Israeli civilians traveling on the road were later pelted with stones. Palestinians also tried to block Route 60.
Damage was caused to several vehicles by rocks places on the road. The IDF and the police reinforced deployment in an effort to contain the riots and prevent them from spreading into Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, a mosque door was torched in the village of Urif overnight. Police have launched an investigation.
On Sunday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on Palestinians to "peacefully" protest against 'the Israeli aggression in Gaza."
Itamar Fleishman contributed to this report
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