Palestinian shot dead by Israeli army over 'stabbing attack'

Israeli forces shot and killed a 19-year-old Palestinian on Thursday following an alleged stabbing attack that left two Israelis wounded in a West Bank settlement, officials said.

Israeli forces said the Palestinian "infiltrated" the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Arba on the outskirts of the city of Hebron. Such settlements built on land under military occupation are considered illegal under international law.

The army confirmed the stabbing after initial reports from medics described the injuries of one of the wounded Israelis as resulting from a gunshot.

"A short while ago, a terrorist infiltrated and stabbed a civilian in the community of Kiryat Arba," Israeli forces said in a statement.

"The attacker was shot, resulting in his death. Two civilians were wounded and are being evacuated to a hospital for further medical treatment," the statement added.

The Palestinian was identified as Mohammed Nassir Taryra from the West Bank town of Bani Na'im, east of Hebron, sources told The New Arab.

Israeli troops sealed off the road junction leading to the settlement, sources added.

Violence since October 2015 has killed at least 209 Palestinians and 32 Israelis. Israeli troops have been accused of using excessive force in many cases.

Israel denies such charges, claiming stringent "security measures" were necessary to counter attacks. It claims that a Palestinian campaign of incitement is fanning the violence.

Palestinians say the rise in knife attacks on Israeli soldiers is rooted in frustration stemming from nearly five decades of Israeli military occupation.