The first attack occurred at Gush Etzion Junction, the scene of many similar recent incidents. The soldiers shot and killed three assailants and severely injured another one. “The force thwarted the attack and shot the assailant, resulting in his death”, the spokesperson added.
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On the other hand, the Palestinian Red Crescent said the Israeli army did not allow medics to provide assistance to the three Palestinians, who were left to bleed to death.
An earlier statement said: ‘Three attackers, armed with knives, attempted to stab soldiers guarding the Gush Etzion junction’. At least 134 Palestinians died by Israeli fire, including 93 said by Israel to be attackers.
He was later named as Khalil Shalalda, 16, also from Sair.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, Thursday’s deadly incident brings the total number of Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces since October 1 to 149, including 27 minors and seven women.
Shortly afterward, IDF reservists shot and killed the three suspects, who according to initial investigations meant to ambush and stab the Israeli troops.
The surge in attacks has been partly fueled by Palestinian frustration over the collapse of U.S.-sponsored peace talks in 2014, the growth of Jewish settlements on land they seek for a future state and Islamist calls for the destruction of Israel.
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Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) officials announced Tuesday that the army will begin distributing a new piece of protective gear for soldiers to guard their necks from attempted stabbing attacks.
