Israeli soldiers shoot dead Palestinian teenager in Gaza

Israeli soldiers shoot dead Palestinian teenager in Gaza
Over 235 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since March, when protests began to demand an end to Israel's decade-long blockade and the right of return for refugees.
2 min read
21 December, 2018
A 16-year-old Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli fire. [Getty]

A 16-year-old Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli fire during border protests east of Gaza City, the health ministry in the besieged coastal enclave said.

Mohammed al-Jahjuh was "hit in the neck by a bullet (fired) by Israeli soldiers", ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra told AFP.

The Israeli army said around 8,000 Palestinians had gathered along the border, burning tyres and launching towards soldiers an incendiary device, which did not reach the troops. 

Israel's military said it had opened fire "according to operational procedures" in place, without elaborating. 

Forty six Palestinians - including two journalists and four first aid responders - were wounded, al-Qidra said.

More than 235 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the end of March, when protests began to demand an end to Israel's decade-long blockade and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Human rights groups and the UN have condemned Israel's overwhelming use of force to disperse the demonstrations.

Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank shot dead Qasim Abbasi, 17, late on Thursday.

His cousin, Mohammed Abbasi, told The Associated Press that he and Qasim were riding in a car with a friend from Ramallah when they encountered an Israeli soldier who told them the road was closed.

Abbasi said as they made a U-turn, a soldier fired at their car, shattering the rear window and striking Qasim.

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