Palestinian shot dead by Israeli police

Israeli police shot and killed a Palestinian as he was attempting to carry out a stabbing attack in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening, officials and local media said.

The incident took place near East Jerusalem's Old City as Jews across Israel were revering Yom Kippur, or the "Day of Atonement," the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

"Police units on patrol in the area responded to the terrorist and the terrorist was shot," Police Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in a statement.

The police did not elaborate on the condition of the suspect but the Times of Israel reported he was killed as a result of the fire.

Rosenfeld identified the suspect as a resident of Kalandia, east of Jerusalem. He said that no injuries to civilians or police officers were reported.

"Security measures continue throughout the Yom Kippur fast," Rosenfeld said.

Israeli security forces were on high alert during the holiday after a total closure was imposed on the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, citing security concerns.

Local media reported earlier that Israeli troops killed two Palestinians during clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli soldiers near the Erez Crossing, the only pedestrian crossing between Israel and the besieged Palestinian enclave.