JERUSALEM, March 13, 2017 (WAFA) – A Palestinian young man was killed Monday morning by Israeli police in East Jerusalem, Israeli police said.

Police shot dead the Palestinian young man in the vicinity of the Lions’ Gate (Bab al-Asbat) after he allegedly attempted to stab two Israeli “border guards”.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the man was shot dead after he allegedly stabbed and moderately injured two policemen at the scene.

WAFA correspondent said that Israeli police closed the area to Palestinians amidst rising tension in the area.

The slain Palestinian was identified as Ibrahim Mattar, 25, from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Shuqairat in Jabal al-Mukabir area.

Police raided Jabal al-Mukkaber neighborhood in order to raid the Palestinian’s family’s house, sparking clashes with students and residents.

During the clashes, police fired concussion grenades and tear gas canisters. There are no reports of injuries so far.

According to an AFP news agency, the wave of violence broke out in October 2015 and resulted in killing 255 Palestinians and 40 Israelis.

East Jerusalem is a part of the internationally recognized Palestinian territories that have been occupied by the Israeli military since 1967.

K.T./ K. F.