Israeli forces reportedly kill Palestinian in riot after funeral

A 27-year-old Palestinian man was shot and killed Friday, allegedly by Israeli forces, during a riot that grew out of a West Bank funeral procession for his cousin, with whom he is now expected to share a cemetery.

The death of Ziad Awad, who was shot in the head, was reported by Palestinian officials. Israeli officials said the soldiers fired at the legs of the instigators of the violence, but that they had received reports of a death and would investigate.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said three other people were injured by live bullets and 10 people were hurt by rubber-coated bullets.

The clashes erupted in Beit Ummar, a Palestinian town with high unemployment and a large youth population about 7 miles (11 kilometers) northwest of Hebron, in the southern part of the West Bank, after the funeral procession.

ISF: Protesters 'hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails'

"A short a while ago, during a violent riot in Beit Ummar, Palestinians hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at IDF soldiers and rolled burning tires at them," the spokeswoman told CNN. "Soldiers felt an immediate threat and responded with riot dispersal means in order to disperse the scene. The rioters refused to halt and continued to endanger IDF soldiers. In response, IDF soldiers fired at the main instigators' lower extremities with 22-caliber bullets. Four hits have been confirmed."

Asked about reports that one Palestinian had been shot in the head, the spokeswoman replied, "There are reports of one killed Palestinian and (these are) being reviewed by the IDF."

Palestinian sources said Ziad Awad was taken to Hebron Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Later Friday, witnesses said the clashes were continuing and the situation was tense. There are fears that tensions could erupt again when Ziad Awad is buried.