Israeli troops killed a deaf Palestinian teenager in the Gaza Strip today near the border fence with Egypt, witnesses and hospital official said.
Shadi Siyam of Rafah camp was the first Palestinian reported killed by Israel since Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon called for a ceasefire on Tuesday night and ordered a tightening of army engagement rules.
Witnesses said a gunfight erupted when two Israeli tanks and a bulldozer tried to enter the camp. Hospital officials said Siyam was hit with a live bullet to the heart. Neighbours said he was deaf and standing in front of his house unaware of the gunbattle.
In Jerusalem, the Israeli army had no immediate comment on the incident. Two other civilians, including an 11-year-old boy, were wounded by Israeli fire, hospital officials said.
The Israeli army has entered the refugee camp a few times over the last two months and demolised houses and other buildings they said had been used by Palestinian gunmen to fire on Israeli targets.