Israeli Army Says It Will Open Probe Into Killing of Palestinian Teen During Protest
EU has called authorities to investigate deadly shooting of 15-year-old in clashes with Israeli troops in the West Bank
The military has opened an investigation into the death of a 15-year-old Palestinian in clashes with troops on Friday, an army statement said Sunday.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said the boy, Ali Abu Aliya, was struck in the stomach by live fire from Israeli soldiers during a protest in his home village of al-Mughayir, northeast of Ramallah.
The army said Sunday that it was aware of “claims about injuries and a deceased Palestinian” and would hand over the investigation’s findings to the Military Advocate General.
It described Friday’s events as taking place during “violent riots” that involved dozens of people throwing stones at soldiers and border police, as well as trying to roll boulders and burning tires into a road.
Security forces used Ruger rifles, which have low muzzle velocity and are described by the army as non-lethal, during the incident, the statement said.
On Saturday, the European Union demanded that the 15-year-old’s death be investigated. “This shocking incident must be swiftly and fully investigated by the Israeli authorities in order to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the EU delegation responsible for Palestinian affairs said.
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Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh meanwhile described the incident as “a new crime added to the occupation’s long record.”