October 25, 1999
Web posted at: 5:02 p.m. EDT (2102 GMT)

From staff and wire reports

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (CNN) -- An Israeli soldier shot and killed a Palestinian near a Jewish holy site in Bethlehem Monday, prompting clashes between Israeli soldiers and hundreds of angry Palestinians.

The Israeli army said the dead man, identified by Palestinians as 28-year-old Mousa Abu Hilail, tried to stab the soldier, who in turn opened fire on him.

Abu Hilail was described as a souvenir salesman and an unemployed activist in differing reports.

The incident took place at a checkpoint near the entrance to the tomb of biblical matriarch Rachel. The checkpoint is a bone of contention for many Palestinians as it prevents them from traveling to nearby Jerusalem.

Shortly after the shooting, Palestinian protesters threw rocks and bottles at Israeli troops, who responded with rubber bullets and tear gas.

Witnesses said three Palestinians were injured by the bullets and five from inhaling tear gas. Other witnesses said an Israeli civilian was wounded when a stone crashed through his car windshield, and a soldier was injured when a rock hit him in the face.

The Israeli army said it was investigating the shooting incident.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.