RAMALLAH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Palestinian was killed and three others injured on Sunday by Israeli soldiers in the northern West Bank city of Nablus, Palestinian and Israeli sources said.
Palestinian security sources and local eyewitnesses said a 25-year-old man was shot dead by Israeli soldiers when they opened fire at a motorcycle and a car in Nablus.
Another three Palestinians, who were in the attacked vehicle, were injured, including one in serious condition. Local medical sources said the three were taken to the city hospital.
An Israeli army spokesman said that an Israeli army force was carrying out regular military activity near the city of Nablus, adding that Israeli soldiers noticed Palestinian gunmen riding a motorcycle and a car.
The spokesman said that the soldiers opened fire and directly neutralized the militants.
Israeli media outlets reported that the Palestinian militants were on their way to attack the soldiers who opened fire at the motorcycle and killed one militant.
The report also said that the soldiers opened fire at the car, injuring three militants who were then taken to a hospital for treatment. No injuries were reported among the Israeli soldiers.
Over the past few months, the West Bank has witnessed growing tension between the Israeli army and the Palestinians.
More than 90 Palestinians have been killed since early January by Israeli soldiers, including children and women, according to official Palestinian statistics.
Meanwhile, 18 Israelis have been killed since March in a series of attacks carried out by Palestinians in Israel.
In response, Israel carried out a campaign of arrests focused on the cities of Nablus and Jenin in the northern West Bank. Israel said the campaign had affected wanted Palestinians involved in carrying out attacks against Israel. ■
