Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces in West Bank
A 23-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces on Friday evening, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Yazan Omar Jamil Khasib was shot dead near the Beit El checkpoint, north of Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank "after the occupation (Israel) opened fire on him,” according to the Palestinian health ministry.
The Israeli army claimed that Khasib had attempted to stab Israeli soldiers. ”The suspect drew a knife and approached the forces who responded by opening fire," the army said.
Tensions have been high in Israel and Palestine in recent months, as Israeli attacks in the West Bank intensify and Palestinian resistance grows.
Four Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid on Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, including a teenage boy, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Friday's shootings bring the number of Palestinians killed by Israelis this year to at least 86, including 16 children.
It's the bloodiest start to a year since 2000, according to the Palestinian health ministry.
Palestinians have killed at least 13 Israelis this year.
Fears are growing that there could be a wider outbreak of violence in April when Passover, Easter, and Ramadan all overlap.
CIA director William Burns recently said current tensions in the West Bank bear an "unhappy resemblance" to the Second Intifada.
The threat of an uncontrollable outbreak of violence prompted Jordan, Egypt and the US to initiate de-escalation efforts in recent months, but it remains unclear if they will be able to contain the violence amid continuing Israeli attacks.
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