Israeli Forces Shoot, Injure Man Near Nablus

      Nablus, 6 Shafar 1434/19 December 2012 (MINA) – Israeli soldiers shot and injured a man on Monday during clashes near Nablus, locals said, according to the Palestinian News Agency MA’AN reports received by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA), Wednesday.

      Witnesses told Ma’an that settlers from the illegal Yizhar settlement entered Madama village and clashed with villagers. One settler was injured by a stone and Israeli forces arrived in the area.

      During the clashes, Amir Fayiz Nassar, 27, was shot in the foot with live fire by soldiers and taken to Rafidia hospital, witnesses said.

Soldiers also arrested three Palestinians during the incident, including Mamoon Nassar who was assaulted by settlers before being detained, locals said.

     Several other people suffered breathing difficulties as a result of tear gas fired by soldiers.

     An Israeli army spokeswoman said a Palestinian man had approached Yizhar settlement and a soldier “arrived at the scene to distance the man, resulting in a physical confrontation.”

     “Several Palestinians gathered in the area and threw rocks at soldiers, who responded using riot dispersal means,” she said.

     “After the riot dispersal gear proved inefficient, the soldiers were forced to fire towards one of the rioters legs, identifying a hit,” she added, noting that an Israeli civilian had been injured by a rock.

      All Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and are seen as one of the major obstacles to a two-state solution. (T/R-012/R-006)

 Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)