Israeli soldiers killed a 14-year-old Palestinian and detained another young boy in the occupied West Bank town of Halhul north of Hebron, after the two allegedly tried to throw Molotov cocktails at passing vehicles.

Witnesses told Ma’an that they saw a child lying on the ground after hearing gunshots where Israeli forces were deployed in the al-Hawawer area of Halhul city. One witness told Ma’an that they saw Israeli soldiers putting the child into a black bag.

Another child was seen handcuffed and blindfolded.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israeli soldiers prevented paramedics from reaching the scene and treating those potentially injured.

The child killed was identified as 14-year-old Haitham Ismail al-Baw. His cousin, Wajdi Yusif al-Baw,12, was reportedly injured during the incident.

Al-Baw is one of nearly 170 Palestinians to be killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October, many of whom were killed while carrying out individual attacks or alleged attacks on Israeli military and settlers, while others died during clashes or unconfirmed circumstances.

The Hebron district in particular grew as a flashpoint in November and December, and the Israeli military shut down movement in large portions of the district. Many restrictions have since been lifted but sporadic closures continue.

At least three Palestinians were killed in November in the town of Halhul where 14-year-old al-Baw was shot dead on Friday.

One of those killed was Hassan Jihad al-Baw, 23, who was shot in the heart during clashes with Israeli military forces. The young man’s sister, 17-year-old Duha Jihad al-Baw, was reportedly detained by Israeli forces earlier this week.

(MAAN)