Israel security minister praises officer for shooting dead 12-year-old | BBC News

Israel’s national security minister has congratulated a border officer who shot dead a 12-year-old Palestinian boy playing in the street, calling him a “hero” who deserved an award.

Rami al-Halouli was setting off a firework with friends outside his home in occupied east Jerusalem when he was shot through the heart by the member of Israel’s border security force.

In a statement, the border police said a shot was fired by an officer towards a suspect “who endangered the forces while firing aerial fireworks in their direction.” However video of the shooting does not appear to support the claim that Israeli forces were in danger.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, called the boy a “12-year-old terrorist” and said: “This is exactly how you should act against terrorists, with determination and precision”.

Reeta Chakrabarti presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Orla Guerin in east Jerusalem.

Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog

For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news

#BBCNews