(JTA) — A Palestinian infant reportedly died after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli soldiers.
According to Haaretz and other media outlets, the Palestinian Health Ministry said 8-month-old Mohammed Faisal Thouabta died from tear gas fired in clashes Friday in Beit Fajjar, a West Bank village south of Bethlehem. Other reports identified the infant as Ramadam Mohammed Thawabteh.
The infant, who officials said was exposed to the tear gas while in his home, was pronounced dead in a Bethlehem hospital, and was the 65th Palestinian killed since the recent wave of violence began — Israel has identified dozens of the Palestinians killed as assailants in stabbing attacks. The death came on a day of numerous clashes throughout Israel and the West Bank, as well as the killing of two Palestinian men who were allegedly trying to stab soldiers.
In a separate development, Israel retroactively legalized 800 homes in four Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
According to AFP, which cited Israel’s Interior Ministry, the homes are in Yakir, Itmar, Shiloh and Sansana.
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