Israeli fire killed a Palestinian youth during clashes near Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry said.

The clashes occurred in the area of the Al-Arroub refugee camp. The Israeli army confirmed opening fire after spotting "assailants hurling rocks at civilian vehicles." The dead Palestinian was said to be 15 or 16.

A wave of violence that erupted in October has claimed the lives of 166 Palestinians, 26 Israelis, a US national, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.

Most of the Palestinians were killed carrying out attacks, while others died during clashes and demonstrations.

Some analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.

Israel blames incitement by Palestinian leaders and media as a main cause of the unrest.

Israel has also faced questions over whether it has used excessive forces in some cases, which it firmly rejects.

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