Israeli army carries out raids in Ramallah, Al-Bireh

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Israeli troops on Wednesday carried out raids in the West Bank cities of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, according to eyewitnesses.

Witnesses told Anadolu Agency that the raids had sparked clashes in several parts of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, in which Israeli troops used live ammunition, rubber bullets and teargas to disperse angry Palestinian youths.

The latter responded by throwing stones at the troops and setting fire to rubber tires.

No serious injuries or fatalities have been reported, although witnesses said at least one local youth had been arrested.

For the last several days, Israeli forces have been conducting sporadic raids in and around Ramallah, sparking limited clashes with local residents.

The Israeli authorities have attempted to justify the raids by saying they are searching for “wanted” Palestinians.