Israel confirms 2 Palestinians dead in clashes

Jerusalem July 21 (IANS) Israeli police confirmed the death of a second Palestinian youth who was killed during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in East Jerusalem on Friday.

Muhamad Hasan Abu Ghanem 19 was injured during clashes in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of A-Tur where he lived according to Police Spokeswoman Luba Samri Xinhua reported.

He died in hospital and the circumstances of his death are "still under probe" she added.

Some Palestinian media reports however said at least five persons were killed in the clashes after noon.

At least 250 Palestinians were injured in the clashes according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Earlier 17-year-old Muhammad Mahmoud Sharaf who was injured during clashes in his neighbourhood of Silwan died of his injuries in East Jerusalem hospital al-Maqasid.

Eyewitnesses said he was shot in his neck by an Israeli settler.

Both were buried shortly after their death for fear that Israeli authorities would take away their bodies.

The death of Sharaf sparked more protests throughout the West Bank.

According to media reports police and military forces fired at the protesters with live ammunition and rubber-coated bullets.

--IANS
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