Palestinian boy aged 14 shot dead by Israeli forces

A 14-year-old Palestinian boy was killed by Israeli forces on Monday near the occupied city of Bethlehem. 

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the boy as Omar Lotfi Khumour who was shot in the head and succumbed to his wounds later in hospital.

The Israeli army has not commented on the killing, but it said its forces entered the Dheisheh refugee camp in dawn raids on houses.

“Suspects threw stones, explosives, and Molotov cocktails at the forces, who responded with riot dispersal means and live fire,” the Israeli army said in a statement.

No suspects were arrested in the camp, according to the statement.

Israeli forces killed nine Palestinians last week. So far this year, 14 Palestinians have been killed, including three children.

At least 167 were killed last year in the occupied West Bank, the highest death toll since the Second Intifada. 

Israeli forces conduct near-nightly search-and-arrest operations in the West Bank, which often turn deadly.

Most of the raids have focused on Nablus and Jenin in recent months, which are home to a growing number of Palestinian fighters.

Tensions at Al-Aqsa, shops demolished

There were further tensions on Monday after Israeli forces demolished 15 Palestinian-owned shops located at the entrance to the town of Hizma, east of occupied Jerusalem. 

This was followed by Israeli settlers storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard under the protection of Israeli forces. 

Palestinian worshippers to Al-Aqsa faced restrictions as a result of the raids, facing stringent checks at key entry points.

In Hebron, Palestinian farmers were not allowed to work on their lands after Israeli forces raided their allotments.