Irbil, Iraq (CNN) Iraqi forces have liberated the eastern half of Mosul from ISIS` grip, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reported Tuesday on state television. Iraqi forces discovered large amounts of suspected chemical substances and a "bomb factory" at the university, said Sabah al Numan, spokesman for Iraqi counterterrorism forces. In previous instances where ISIS destroyed bridges, Iraqi forces built temporary or floating structures, slowing down troops but not deterring their advance. "The Iraqi and Peshmerga security forces fought through an elaborate defense formed over the past two years to not only keep the Iraqi security forces out, but the residents of Mosul captive," said a statement from US Central Command Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. "But the (Iraqi security forces) have proven they are both a professional and formidable fighting force, and I have every confidence that ISIL`s days are numbered in Iraq.

Palestinian police says Israeli troops have shot and killed a 17-year-old boy and injured five others who clashed with them. Israeli forces killed 235 Palestinians in the same period, most identified by Israel as attackers. Israel blames the violence on Palestinian incitement, while Palestinians say it stems from frustration over decades of Israeli rule. The police say the Palestinians hurled rocks at the Israeli troops, who responded with fire. Since 2015, Palestinian attackers have carried out numerous stabbings, shootings and vehicular assaults that killed 40 Israelis and two visiting Americans.