Palestinian shot dead in West Bank after allegedly trying to stab Israeli soldier

A female Palestinian tried to stab an Israeli soldier on Thursday near the West Bank city of Tulkarem and was shot dead, the army said, the latest in a series of such incidents since October.

Details of the Palestinian's identity, including her age, were not yet clear - the Palestinian health ministry confirmed her death, but gave no further details.

The incident at a military post around Anabta village in the occupied West Bank came a day ahead of an international meeting in Paris aimed at reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

"Moments ago an assailant, armed with a knife, attempted to stab a soldier at a military post near the village of Anabta," the army said in a statement.

"Forces responded to the immediate threat by shooting the attacker, resulting in her death."

Violence since October has killed 206 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese national.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say.

The violence has steadily declined in recent weeks, though attacks have continued. 

Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.

Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a main cause of the violence.