Israel launches West Bank crackdown after teenager killed in bomb attack

Israeli forces used drones and stopped Palestinian motorists near the settlement of Dolev, where an explosion killed an Israeli teenager on Friday.
1 min read
24 August, 2019
Israeli soldiers were seen operating in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. [Getty]

Israeli soldiers were seen operating in the occupied West Bank on Saturday following an explosion that killed a 17-year-old girl.

The troops used drones and stopped Palestinian motorists near the Israeli settlement of Dolev, where an explosion killed Israeli teenager Rina Shnerb and injured her 46-year-old father and 21-year-old brother on Friday.

At least three Palestinians were detained in the Ramallah area, local sources said.

The family, who are from Lod in central Israel, were at a water spring in the occupied West Bank when the explosion was detonated, according to reports.

It wasn't known whether an explosive device was thrown at them or had been planted there earlier.

Israel blamed the attack on Palestinian militants.

Tensions have been high in the occupied West Bank in recent weeks, fuelled by clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police at a Jerusalem holy site revered by both.

The clashes erupted at the flashpoint compound, which Jews call Temple Mount and Muslims the Noble Sanctuary, on August 11 as Islamic and Jewish holidays coincided.

More than 600,000 Israeli Jews live in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

All Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab