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A deadly incident in the West Bank in which a Palestinian was shot dead at close range by an Israeli police officer has sparked heated controversy on social media. There were also allegations from the Palestinian side on Saturday of a “cold-blooded execution” of the 22-year-old on Friday near Nablus. Pro-Israel Twitter users, on the other hand, defended the police officer’s actions as legitimate self-defense.

According to the Israeli police, the Palestinian was armed with a knife. He first tried to break into the vehicle of an Israeli couple. He was then shot by the driver, an army officer on vacation. He then gave a nearby police officer a deep cut to the temple.

Another police officer then tried to arrest the attacker. The video shows a fight between the two, meanwhile two other men are involved. In the end, according to the police, the Palestinian tried to take the weapon from the policeman. The rifle can be seen falling to the ground. The police officer then pulls out a gun and shoots the Palestinian dead. According to the police, he feared for his life and that of others in the area.

The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that the Palestinian had been hit by four bullets. Israeli soldiers prevented Palestinian ambulances from arriving at the scene.

UN envoy Tor Wennesland wrote in a tweet that he was “shocked” by the killing of the Palestinian. “Such incidents should be investigated comprehensively and swiftly and those responsible held accountable,” he said.

The situation in the occupied West Bank has been tense for months. After a series of attacks on Israelis that began in March, the army is carrying out more raids there. According to the Health Ministry, 159 Palestinians have been killed this year in connection with military operations, clashes or friendly attacks. In Israel and the West Bank, 31 civilians and security forces have been killed in attacks this year. (sda/dpa)