[Thursday, February 27, 2014] Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian man after surrounding a home and firing shells at the property, in Birzeit town, north of the central West Bank city of Ramallah; soldiers also demolished a home that belongs to one of his relatives, and kidnapped three Palestinians.The Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) has reported that resident Mo’taz Washha, 24 years of age, was shot and killed after the invading soldiers fired dozens of rounds of live ammunition and a number of shells at his home, causing excessive property damage.
WAFA added that a Palestinian ambulance moved the body of the slain Palestinian to a local hospital.
The invasion led to clashes with dozens of local residents; the army fired rounds of live ammunition, rubber-coated metal bullets, and gas bombs.
One resident was hit by a live round, and dozens suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Israeli military bulldozers proceeded to demolish the home of a former political prisoner, identified as Tha’er Washha, in the center of the town, kidnapped him along with his cousin, Fadi, and detained several other Palestinians.
Eyewitnesses said that the soldiers violently assaulted the detained Palestinians, causing various cuts and bruises, and kidnapping another Palestinian identified as Samer al-Qaisy.
The army completely surrounded the town, preventing the residents from entering or leaving it, and withdrew after clashes that lasted for several hours.
Palestinian Minister of Detainees, Issa Qaraqe’, denounced the Israeli escalation, and said that the army continues to target the Palestinians, especially former political prisoners.
Qaraqe’ added that Tha’er Washha, 32, is a former political prisoner, and has been repeatedly kidnapped and imprisoned by Israel.
