In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, recent days have seen a notable increase in Palestinians wounded or killed as they go about their daily business. Since the start of the new year, at least five people have been killed by gunfire in or near their homes or on their way from work. Human rights groups cite two recent factors that could be contributing to an upsurge in deaths or injuries among those not participating in clashes: severe restrictions on Palestinians’ movement within the West Bank and Gaza and what’s reported to be a freer hand given to Israeli troops deployed in areas that are considered flashpoints. Throughout the wave of violence, which began in late September and has claimed more than 360 lives, the vast majority of them Palestinians, bystanders have occasionally found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. But human rights groups and Palestinians say for the first time such casualties appear to be overtaking those among Palestinians taking part in stone throwing confrontations or gun battles with Israeli troops.