Israeli forces shoot Palestinian for allegedly 'stabbing' a settler in Jerusalem

Israeli forces shoot Palestinian for allegedly 'stabbing' a settler in Jerusalem
Israeli forces surrounded and opened fire on a young Palestinian near Yaffa Gate in occupied East Jerusalem - alleging that he stabbed an Israeli settler early this morning.
2 min read
19 March, 2022
Israeli forces have been accused of acting with impunity by rights groups in several incidents this year [Getty]

Israel forces have shot and wounded a Palestinian man near Yaffa gate in occupied Jerusalem early on Saturday, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Footage circulating on social media from al-Thawri crossing appears to show a young Palestinian standing alone, surrounded by over 10 Israeli officers - who then open fire on him at a close range. The Palestinian man is believed to be in a serious condition.

According to medical services attending the scene, a 35-year old Israeli male who had been stabbed received treatment for "light injuries".

In recent months, the Israeli occupying forces and Israeli police have regularly cited alleged knife attacks as grounds for shooting Palestinians with impunity. 

Footage regularly shows officers using their weapons at point-blank range on young men already lying incapacitated on the ground. 

Earlier in March, Samer Jamal Qawasmi was killed by Israeli fire in the Bab Hutta neighbourhood of East Jerusalem after occupying forces alleged he was "attempting to stab" an officer. 

The teenager was left bleeding helplessly on the ground, until he died of critical wounds just minutes later - having received no medical treatment at the scene. 

Rights groups have constantly slammed Israeli forces for showing "appalling disregard for human life" by using "reckless and unlawful lethal force" against Palestinians.

Amnesty International has repeatedly urged an end to the "worrying rise in unlawful killings by Israeli forces, fostered by a culture of impunity".