Palestinian Student Killed in West Bank Clashes During Nakba Commemoration
Palestinian officials reported that a 20-year-old man named Ayser Muhammad Safi was killed by Israeli troops during clashes at the northern entrance of Al-Bireh in the West Bank on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during a march commemorating the mass displacement of Palestinians in the "Nakba" of 1948.
Witnesses said Israeli forces moved in when a group of male students from Birzeit University were preparing to protest at the entrance.
The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A confrontation between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters in Ramallah resulted in the death of a young Palestinian man.
Witnesses reported Israeli forces using gas and sound grenades during the clash.
The man was later seen being carried from a hospital to the morgue, surrounded by mourning crowds.
The incident occurred during a commemoration event for the 76th anniversary of the "Nakba," or the displacement of around 760,000 Palestinians during the war leading to Israel's creation.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel has been conducting regular raids in the West Bank to prevent militant activities.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 499 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers since October 7, 2021.
In contrast, at least 20 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks during the same period.
The West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, is home to approximately 490,000 Israeli settlers living in communities that are considered illegal under international law.