Attempted stabbing attack thwarted near Jerusalem

Border Police officers shot dead a Palestinian man as he attempted to stab them at a guard post in the Palestinian town of Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem, police said Monday.

No officers were reported injured, a police spokesperson said.

The alleged attack outside Jerusalem occurred as US President Donald Trump was in the capital for an official state visit with security significantly ramped up in and near the city.

The name of the Palestinian man has yet to be released, but he was identified as a resident of the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

Police recovered the knife used in the attack. It was a cheap stainless steel blade that appeared to have bent out of shape.

Some 11,000 police and security forces are taking part in the operation to secure Trump's visit. On Tuesday, he is slated to travel to Bethlehem.

Palestinians have taken part in violent protests across the West Bank throughout Monday, clashing with Israeli troops.

According to the Red Crescent, three Palestinians were hit by gunfire during protests in the city of Qalandiya, north of Jerusalem, and in the town of Nabi Saleh, north of Ramallah. They were in stable condition.

Another 26 Palestinians are also receiving treatment for lighter injuries, the Red Crescent said.