Palestinian protester killed during clashes with Israeli soldiers

A Palestinian youth was killed on Friday by Israeli troops in clashes near West Bank during the burial of a Palestinian prisoner released recently from an Israeli prison, medics and witnesses said.

The clashes took place following protests by dozens of Palestinians against the death of Ja'far Awad in the village of Beit Ommar near the southern West Bank city of Hebron, Xinhua news agency reported citing witnesses.

During the clashes, some Palestinians threw stones towards Israeli soldiers who responded by firing.

Awad, 22, who had been suffering from severe lung infection and received medical treatment in prison, was released by Israel three months ago and continued his medical treatment at home. However, he died on Thursday night in a Palestinian hospital.

Awad was healthy before going to jail, his family said, adding that his health deteriorated in jail.

The dead protester, Zeyad Awad, 27, a relative of Ja'far Awad, was shot dead by Israeli troops during the clashes, medics at Hebron Hospital said, adding that several injured Palestinian protesters have been taken to the hospital for medical treatment.