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Scene of a stabbing attack in the Hebron Hills on the morning of Oct. 20, 2015. Credit: Mount Hebron spokesman
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BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces during clashes in Beit Awwa west of Hebron, Palestinian sources said.

The Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health identified the Palestinian as 24-year-old Udaay Hashim al-Masalma, and said that doctors in Hebron's public hospital confirmed a bullet to the head was the cause of death.

An Israeli army spokesperson alleged that Masalma was shot after he attempted to stab an Israeli soldier during a "violent riot" in Beit Awwa.

She said the soldier "responded with live fire," and that the Palestinian was evacuated for medical treatment by the Palestinian Red Crescent.

She added that the Israeli soldier was lightly injured, and as far as she was aware, had not been evacuated for medical treatment.

Israeli news site Ynet reported that "the attacker threw himself on the troops who fired upon and killed him."

Locals confirmed that there were clashes in Beit Awwa shortly before Masalma's death, during which Israeli troops fired tear gas canisters and rubber-coated steeel bullets at Palestinians protesters.

Masalma brings the Palestinian death toll since the beginning of October to 44, with eight Israelis killed in the same period.

Around half of the Palestinian deaths took place during clashes, while the others were killed after allegedly attempting attacks on Israel. In a number of instances, however, it has been disputed that Palestinians were attempting to carry out attacks.

Israel has come under repeated criticism for shooting dead Palestinians when they pose no harm, with the PLO labeling the deaths "extrajudicial executions."

Israeli rights group B'Tselem has condemned Israeli officials for effectively condoning the killing of Palestinians by Israeli forces and civilians.
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by Gili Cohen for Haaretz, 11:10 am. Updated 2:48 pm

An Israeli soldier was lightly wounded Tuesday morning in a stabbing attack.

Initial reports say a Palestinian assailant attacked the officer during a confrontation with Israeli security forces near the Negohot settlement in the southern Hebron Hills.

The assailant, who was later identified as Adi Hashem al Masalmeh, a 24-year-old from Beit Awwa, was shot and killed.

Magen David Adom evacuated the officer to Soroka Medical Center, Be’er Sheva.

The attack follows a 24-hour period in which no attacks took place, after near-daily stabbings and two shootings.
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