BETHLEHEM, January 18, 2016 (WAFA) – An Israeli settler on Monday opened live fire and critically injured an unidentified Palestinian youth outside the illegal settlement of Takou, to the southeast of Bethlehem, according to Israeli sources.

Israeli media sources said that an armed Israeli settler opened live fire on the youth, and critically injured him, after the latter allegedly stabbed and injured another settler at the scene. Israeli media sources said that the settler, a female, sustained serious injuries.

The youth was transferred to Madassah medical center in Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Shortly after the incident, commander of the Israeli army in Gush Etzion settlement bloc, between Bethlehem and Hebron, announced that all Palestinian workers will be denied access to the area.

Meanwhile, dozens of illegal settlers rushed to Etzion junction at Hebron-Jerusalem road (route 60) and obstructed the movement of Palestinian vehicles.

According to the Ministry of Health, 159 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of unrest in the occupied Palestinian Territory in early October 2015. Over 16,000 others have been injured.

M.N./T.R.