Palestinian Shot Dead by Israeli Security Forces in the West Bank
IDF is looking for another, who was reportedly injured and fled the scene
A Palestinian man was was killed by IDF gunfire at the Ni'ilin junction, near the Green Line that separates Israel and the Palestinian Territories, the Palestinian Ministry of Health confirmed on Sunday.
According to the IDF spokesperson, two Palestinians were fired upon by Israeli troops after throwing rocks on passing vehicles.
"One of the suspects was killed by gunfire, and the other managed to escape. IDF troops are searching the area," an official statement said.
Palestinian health officials identified the deceased as a 32-year-old man. A Hamas communique later named him as Sufian al-Khawaja.
The village of Ni'ilin is near the Israeli city of Modi'in and, movement controls notwithstanding, is halfway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
On March 11, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 15-year-old Palestinian during a protest against a tour organized by Israeli settlers to a historical site in a West Bank village. Another 16 were reportedly injured.
Israeli and Palestinian authorities are currently dealing with the spread of the coronavirus in the region, which has led to stricter and stricter controls on movements, as well as unprecedented cooperation.