Palestinian teen shot by Israeli soldiers near Joseph’s Tomb dies of injuries

A Palestinian teenager shot by Israeli forces near the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank earlier this week has reportedly died of his injuries.

Israeli soldiers escorting settlers to the  holy site of Joseph’s Tomb on Tuesday were confronted by Palestinian locals. 

They shot Mohammed Abu Asab, 19, in the head, and he died of his injuries on Saturday, official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, citing medical sources.

Israeli forces and settlers regularly carry out acts of violence at Joseph’s Tomb, a religious site revered by Samaritans, Jews, Christians and Muslims located in a densely-populated area to the east of Nablus.

The incidents usually occur as Jewish settlers attempt to storm the site under the protection of Israeli security forces.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in intensified raids on the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem or in bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

In July alone, at least 27 Palestinians, including six children, were killed.

Israeli violence against Palestinians has intensified since the hardline government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to power at the end of 2022.