Middle East News

Israeli security guard kills Palestinian in East Jerusalem

Sep 22, 2010, 9:50 GMT

Jerusalem - An Israeli security guard shot dead a Palestinian man, and injured two others, in the volatile East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Silwan on Wednesday, witnesses and Israeli police said.

Palestinian witnesses said the security guard began berating Palestinian residents who were on their way to a pre-dawn prayer at a nearby mosque. An argument developed, and the guard opened fire with live ammunition, accoring to the witnesses.

However, Israeli accounts said the guard had opened fire after Palestinians pelted his truck with rocks.

Clashes erupted between residents and Israeli police who arrived at the scene. The police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the Palestinians. Reports said three other people were injured in the clashes.

The guard was taken away by police for questioning, police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld told the German Press Agency dpa. According to Rosenfeld, the victim had a criminal record, and had previously been involved in rioting in the neighbourhood.

Silwan, located right below the southern section of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem is a focus of tension between around 300 Israeli settlers, who moved into the neighbourhood, and approximately 55,000 Palestinian residents.