Palestinian tries to stab Israeli soldiers in West Bank, shot dead

A Palestinian tried to stab Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank on Friday before being shot dead, the army said, the latest in a months-long wave of violence.

"An assailant, armed with a knife, exited his vehicle and charged at the soldiers guarding the (Gush Etzion) junction," an army statement said, referring to a popular road crossing near Hebron in the southern West Bank.

"Forces responded to the threat and shot the attacker, resulting in his death."

The Palestinian health ministry identified the dead man as Mahmud Abu Fanuna, 21, from Hebron in the south of the occupied West Bank.

Elsewhere, two Palestinians were arrested after knives were found in their possession, the army said, claiming the suspects admitted to planning an attack.

Since October 1, a wave of violence has killed 197 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count.

Most of the Palestinians were killed while carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to the Israeli authorities.

Others were shot dead during protests and clashes.

Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.

Israel blames incitement by Palestinian leaders and media as a main cause of the violence.
Source: AFP