Palestinian Slain Amid Travel Restriction Protests

Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian in an exchange of fire Saturday after a day of demonstrations in which Israeli Arabs joined Palestinians to protest severe Israeli travel restrictions.

Palestinians opened fire on soldiers south of Bethlehem, and the troops fired back, wounding one of the attackers, the army said. Israeli paramedics treated the wounded man, but he died.

At one of several demonstrations across the Palestinian territories, more than 500 protesters marched to a checkpoint on the outskirts of Jerusalem, attempting to break through the roadblock.

The protesters, including Issam Mahoul, an Arab member of Israel’s parliament, were kept from crossing by Israeli forces.

Demonstrators argued with troops, and the confrontation quickly escalated. Several people were injured, including a female Palestinian ambulance worker, and an Israeli soldier.

In the West Bank town of Janin, about 80 Israeli Arabs, including Israeli Arab parliament member Hashem Mahameed, joined Palestinians in a peaceful demonstration to protest the road closures.

“I want to tell you that Arabs in Israel condemn [Prime Minister Ariel] Sharon’s terrorist and settlement policy, and to tell you that we are with you until your rights are achieved and you have an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, a state without settlements,” he told demonstrators.

At Netzarim junction in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian writers and journalists, as well as representatives from the Palestinian ministries of culture and information, carried placards saying “Freedom of Movement” and “Lift the Siege,” and headed toward an Israeli army outpost.

Near the West Bank city of Hebron, a protest march made up mainly of women and children attempted to break through a roadblock at the entrance to the town. Israeli soldiers fired a stun grenade and scuffled with women who sat on the ground, refusing to budge.