Israeli forces kill Palestinian along Gaza border

GAZA - Reuters

A relative of Palestinian man Fadel Halawa, whom medics said was shot dead by Israeli forces, mourns over his body during his funeral in Gaza City, Nov. 23. REUTERS Photo

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian in the northern Gaza Strip on Nov. 23, the first such fatality since a 50-day Gaza war ended in August. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.

The ministry identified the man as Fadel Mohammed Halawa, 32, and said he was shot by soldiers east of Jabalya refugee camp.

One of Halawa's relatives said he had been searching for song birds, which nest in trees near the Israeli border and  command high prices in Gaza markets.

Israel has long designated areas near its frontier with the Gaza Strip as "no-go" zones for Palestinians, citing concerns that militants could plant bombs or carry out surveillance of Israeli patrols.

More than 2,100 Palestinians, most of them civilians, were killed during the Gaza war, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. Israeli puts its death toll at 67 soldiers and six civilians, killed by rockets and attacks by Hamas and other militant groups.