Palestinian gunman shot dead after wounding three Israeli soldiers

A Palestinian man, who shot and wounded three Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank on Monday, was killed by troops, the Israeli army said.

A Palestinian security source said the dead man was a member of the Palestinian police. The incident took place at a crossing point close to the West Bank town of Ramallah, the Palestinian seat of government.

"(A) Palestinian gunman arrived at a (military) crossing at the entrance to Ramallah and opened fire at forces at the scene, injuring three soldiers. In response to the immediate threat, forces shot the assailant," an Israeli army statement said.

An Israeli ambulance service spokesman said one soldier suffered moderate gunshot wounds and two others were lightly hurt. A photo circulated by the military showed an AK-47 assault rifle on the ground.

Over the past year, Palestinians, many acting alone and often using rudimentary weapons and cars, have killed at least 35 Israelis and two visiting Americans in similar attacks.

During the same period, at least 225 Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers, many of them demonstrators and bystanders. Rights groups have accused Israeli police and soldiers of using excessive force against Palestinians.