Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - A Palestinian was killed this morning and three others were wounded in Silwan district of East Jerusalem by shots fired by a security guard in defence of Israeli settlers who are present there. Palestinian and Israeli sources differ on the dynamics of killing.
According to accounts collected by the Palestinian Maan, the guards opened fire against a Palestinian car passing on Wad Hilwa, an area of Silwan at 5 this morning. Witnesses have confirmed the identity of the Palestinian killed: Samer Sarhan, 28, a resident of the area. Among the other three injured one is in critical condition and is now in Hadassah hospital. There are unconfirmed reports of another Palestinian killed in the attack.
As soon as the news spread of the killing of Samer Sarhan, clashes erupted between police and the Palestinian people.
Instead Israeli police claim that a security guard was patrolling the neighbourhood at 4 am, when groups of Palestinians stopped his car throwing stones and empty cans. In response, the guard got out of the car and fired on the people, killing a Palestinian who, according to the police, was 32 and is known for past criminal activities.
Silwan is an area of East Jerusalem in the Kidron Valley. Since Israeli occupation the government in Tel Aviv has sought to expand the Jewish presence with new Jewish settlements, often resorting to seizures and expropriations of land.