Palestinian shoots settler in al-Khalil: Israeli media

A Palestinian has allegedly shot an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, escaping the scene and prompting Israel to launch a massive manhunt.

Israeli media said on Sunday that the Palestinian had fled after opening fire on an Israeli settler near the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied city of al-Khalil (Hebron).

Some Israeli sources, however, said that a 20-year-old female soldier was the target of the attack and she was slightly wounded.

A fresh wave of violence began in the occupied territories in early October last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday ordered an extensive operation for finding guns held by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Earlier on Sunday, clashes erupted after Israeli forces raided Palestinian communities across the Bethlehem area, south of the West Bank. At least two Palestinians were injured during the clashes.

Local residents said the violence came after Israelis detained a Palestinian in the Duheisha refugee camp south of Bethlehem. Israeli snipers were also deployed on the rooftops to target Palestinian stone-throwers.

Israeli forces also attacked the nearby town of Beit Jala north of Bethlehem. At least two houses belonging to the Palestinians were stormed.

Around 140 Palestinians have been killed in more than three months of violence in the occupied territories, as Israeli forces continue to target the homes and properties of the Palestinians, accusing them of attempted attacks on Israeli troops and settlers.

According the Palestinians, one of the reasons behind the fresh violence is Israel's attempts to change the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque, a place highly revered by Muslims across the world. Palestinians say their anger, which has been manifested in stabbing and shooting attacks against the Israelis, is also rooted in years of Israeli occupation.

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