Teenager Becomes a Focus in Israel-Palestinian Conflict

The fate of a Palestinian boy seized center stage Thursday in the battle of narratives accompanying the recent burst of deadly Israeli-Palestinian violence.
Teenager Becomes a Focus in Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian protesters run for cover from teargas fired by Israeli soldiers during clashes on the Israeli border with Gaza in Buriej, central Gaza Strip, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015. AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra
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JERUSALEM — The fate of a Palestinian boy seized center stage Thursday in the battle of narratives accompanying the recent burst of deadly Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ignited an uproar in Israel after falsely claiming in a televised speech that Israelis had “summarily executed” Ahmed Manasra, when the 13-year-old actually was recovering at an Israeli hospital after he stabbed two Israelis, including a boy his own age.

Palestinians, in turn, were enraged by video showing Ahmed lying in the street, his head bloodied and his legs splayed, as bystanders curse him and shout “Die!” in Hebrew. The images, widely circulated on social media, made no mention of the preceding attack by Ahmed and his cousin Hassan, 15, who was then shot and killed by police Monday.

The case has become a lightning rod for both sides.

Israel has repeatedly accused Abbas of fomenting violence with what it says are incendiary comments.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015. AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner