IDF kills Palestinian during overnight arrest raid in Ramallah

An IDF unit sent to arrest a Hamas member in Ramallah encountered violent disturbances when approximately 50 Palestinians hurled rocks, firebombs, and burning tires, the army said.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
IDF soldiers patrol in Nablus [file] (photo credit: REUTERS)
IDF soldiers patrol in Nablus [file]
(photo credit: REUTERS)
The army killed one Palestinian and arrested seven during overnight raids in the West Bank on Wednesday.
Some 50 Palestinians threw rocks, firebombs and burning tires at soldiers sent to arrest a Hamas member in Ramallah, the IDF said. One of the rioters was seen throwing an explosive device at soldiers. Soldiers opened fire at the attacker, hitting him. The man later died of gunshot wounds.
The soldiers then advanced to the Hamas operative’s home, arrested him, and seized ammunition and several firearms.
Earlier on Wednesday, the IDF arrested six wanted Palestinians, including four who allegedly took part in previous rioting and attacks against civilians and security personnel, the army said. Arrests were made in Kalandiya (just north of Jerusalem), Shukba (18 km. northwest of Ramallah), Ramallah and Sair (5 km. northeast of Bethlehem).
Two of the suspects are Hamas members.
The last time such violence took place in the West Bank was on August 31, when there were three explosive attacks in Samaria and security forces instituted a search for the terrorists.
In the first attack, an explosion was reported at the Rehalim junction, near the Tapuah junction, in an area used by Israeli hitchhikers.
Shortly afterward, two pipe bombs were hurled at the nearby Jit junction. The bombs were thrown at a main road used by hitchhikers.
Hundreds of Palestinians attended the funeral of a Palestinian who was killed in a clash. Palestinian medics said 22-year-old Issa al-Qitri was shot in the heart in the Amara refugee camp, 2 km. south of Ramallah.
After the funeral, stone-throwers attacked Israeli forces.
Reuters contributed to this report.