Civilian killed during Israeli arrest raid in Gaza

A Palestinian civilian was killed today during an Israeli arrest raid in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security sources and the army said.

The Palestinian security official said the civilian was driving in Beit Lahiya during the arrest raid when Israeli troops shot him in the neck. The Palestinian man died instantly, the official added.

The army, however, said troops fired near the man’s vehicle because he was speeding toward them and they feared an attack was imminent. As a result of the gunfire – which the army said did not hit the vehicle – the car veered off course, and it is possible the man died as a result of the car accident.

The army added that the arrest operation in Beit Lahiya was successful, and a fugitive was taken into custody.