Palestinian killed, dozens injured in West Bank clashes

RAMALLAH (AA) - A Palestinian youth was shot dead Friday after clashes erupted in the Israeli-occupied West Bank between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli forces, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

"Saba Obaid, 20, was killed after being struck in the heart by a bullet fired by an Israeli sniper during clashes that occurred in Nabi Saleh village north of Ramallah," the ministry said in a statement.

According to the Palestinian Red Crescent, at least 20 Palestinian demonstrators were injured by live ammunition and rubber bullets.

"Thirty other protesters suffered temporary asphyxia [due to the excessive use of teargas by Israeli forces]," the Red Crescent added in a statement.

Friday's demonstration was organized by the National Committee to Support the Hunger Strike, which includes representatives of several Palestinian political factions.

Led by jailed Palestinian resistance icon Marwan Barghouti, more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners began an open-ended hunger strike on April 17 to demand more prison visits, better medical care and improved treatment for female inmates.

Since then, Palestinians have staged numerous demonstrations and protest marches across the occupied West Bank and blockaded Gaza Strip to show solidarity with the hunger strikers.

According to Palestinian figures, Israel is currently holding more than 6,500 Palestinians -- including scores of women and children -- at 24 detention centers across the country.