GAZA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip and near Jerusalem on Thursday, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses.
Witnesses and local sources said an Israeli drone fired at least one missile at a group of Palestinians near Abu Tamam School in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, a Civil Defense spokesperson in Gaza, said two brothers were killed. The Israeli military did not immediately comment.
Gaza health authorities said 766 people have been killed and 2,147 injured since a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The overall death toll in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 72,345, with more than 172,250 wounded.
Separately, a 17-year-old Palestinian, identified as Mohammed Rayyan from the town of Beit Duqqu northwest of Jerusalem, was killed during clashes with Israeli forces, according to a statement from the Jerusalem Governorate.
The statement said Israeli forces raided the town, searched several homes and detained residents for field questioning. A previously released prisoner was also arrested. Another person was injured, and Israeli forces withheld Rayyan's body before withdrawing, it said.
Tensions have escalated in the West Bank in recent months amid the war in Gaza. Palestinian figures show more than 1,080 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023, most during Israeli raids or clashes. ■
