A Palestinian man believed to have collaborated with Israeli security forces was found dead today near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Palestinian police said.
Khaled Moussa Abu Hawa, from the village of Sur Baher near Jerusalem, was found shot in the face. Medical officials said they believed the killing occurred early today.
Palestinian police said they were investigating the death, but believed it was motivated by allegations that Abu Hawa had given information to Israel.
Pressure is increasing on the Palestinian Authority to root out collaborators who assist Israel in tracking and killing Palestinian activists. Today the Authority issued a statement urging Palestinians not to take the law into their own hands.
Meanwhile thousands of Israeli police clamped tight controls on Jerusalem today to head off possible clashes in the historic Old City, where a Palestinian uprising erupted 10 months ago.
A week of escalating violence and vows by Palestinians to avenge an Israeli missile strike that killed two Hamas officials on Tuesday led to the police build-up for Muslim Friday prayers.
"The Jerusalem police district is prepared for Friday prayers at the Temple Mount in order to prevent any attempt at a public disturbance," the Jerusalem police spokesman said.
Last Sunday Israeli police stormed the Temple Mount, revered by Muslims as al-Haram alSharif, after Palestinians threw stones at Jews worshipping at the Western Wall below.
The site, which includes the al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock shrine, is Islam's third holiest place. The Temple Mount is sacred to Jews as the site of two biblical temples.
In addition to the police presence and random checkpoints, officials said helicopters would fly over the area and Palestinians under 40 would be barred from the compound.
Police in riot gear were checking identity documents at the gates to the Old City while others on horseback pushed people back to prevent crowds forming.
Sixteen Palestinian youths were arrested for trying to force their way past checkpoints. Police found two petrol bombs near Damascus Gate, a spokesman said. Security was also stepped up on Jerusalem's main streets and at bus stations.