“Israeli” Military kills 16-year-old Palestinian carrying toy rifle in Hebron (al-Khalil)

Source: Haaretz, 3-7-2007
"Israeli" Military troops Tuesday shot and killed a 16-year-old Palestinian who was holding a toy gun in the West Bank city of Hebron.
A paratroop unit operating in the the Wadi Tufah area opened fire on two Palestinians who appeared to be armed, only to discover that both had toy guns resembling M-16 assault rifles.
The victim, Mohammed al-Sahafi, was shot at least four times in the upper body. His body remained at the scene for some time before being removed.
Military sources said the incident`s circumstances will be investigated, and denied Palestinian allegations that
"Israeli" Military dogs had mauled the body. The ‘Israeli' Military said no canine units were deployed in the area at the time, and stressed that soldiers treated Sahafi and remained with him until he was transferred to a Red Crescent ambulance.
The "Israeli" Military Spokesman`s Office last night distributed photographs comparing the toy guns and genuine M-16 rifles, pointing out the similarities in size and structure. Soldiers said the toy guns were fitted with telescopic sights that appeared authentic.
Earlier Tuesday, Palestinians fired three mortar shells at the Negev, shortly before a planned visit by a delegation of American university presidents, "Israel" Radio reported.
On Monday, "Israeli" Military troops killed an Al Aqsa Martyrs` Brigade commander in a pre-dawn gunbattle in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin early Monday.
25-year-old Mohammed Abu al-Heija, a leader of the Fatah-affiliated Al Aqsa Martyrs` Brigades in the Jenin refugee camp was also the deputy of Zakariya Zubeidi, one of the top commanders of the Fatah-linked armed group.
Also Monday, defense establishment sources announced that the Shin Bet security service had recently arrested 11 Hamas militants in East Jerusalem.