Palestinian teenager shot dead by Israeli forces

A Palestinian teenager was shot dead by Israeli forces after allegedly attempting to stab a soldier in the occupied West Bank, Israel's army said on Sunday.

The 16-year-old has been identified as Qusay Dhiyab Abu al-Rab, from the town of Qabatiya south east of Jenin, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The attack occurred at the Bitot Junction south of Nablus in the northern West Bank.

"A Palestinian attacker attempted to stab an (Israeli) soldier at the Bitot Junction," the Israeli army said.

"The force responded to the imminent danger, thwarting the attack and firing towards the assailant, resulting in his death."

Palestinian security sources spoke of gunfire targeting a Palestinian in the area.

The incident is the latest in a nearly five-month wave of violence.

On Friday, a young Palestinian man was left to bleed to death after being shot by Israeli police in Jerusalem.

Mohammad Abu Khalaf, 20, was accused of allegedly stabbing two Israeli officers from behind at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem, Israeli police said.

Israeli police prevented Palestinians from approaching Khalaf to help him, a source told The New Arab.

At least 184 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since October, 41 of them under the age of 18.

Israel blames Palestinians for fanning violence and incitement.

Palestinians say the current conflict is rooted in frustrations stemming from nearly five decades of Israeli occupation and the complete lack of progress in peace efforts.