Israeli police say a Palestinian teenager has died from gunfire in east Jerusalem, raising concerns of increased violence at upcoming protests marking the annual Palestinian day of mourning over Israel's founding.

Police spokesman Shmuel Ben Rubi said 17-year-old Morad Ayyash suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder in the neighborhood of Silwan on Friday, and died early Saturday. He said the family refused an autopsy to determine the source of the gunfire.

Police have increased their presence in east Jerusalem ahead of protests this weekend, Ben Rubi said.

Jonathan Pollak, an activist who organizes protests in the area, said the teen was shot in his stomach near a Jewish settlement enclave in the neighborhood. He suspected he was shot by a settler security guard.