Palestinians hurt in W. Bank clashes with Israel troops

By Qais Abu Samra

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) - Three Palestinians were injured on Thursday, including one who is now in critical condition, by the Israeli army in the southern West Bank, according to medical sources and eyewitnesses.

In a statement, the Palestinian Health Ministry said the injuries had been caused by live ammunition after clashes erupted in the town of Taqoa near Bethlehem between Israeli forces and Palestinian youth.

The injured, one of whom reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, have since been taken to Bethlehem’s Beit Jala Hospital for treatment.

Witnesses told Anadolu Agency that the clashes took place near the entrance of Taqoa, where Israeli troops used teargas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.

Local Palestinian youths responded by pelting soldiers with stones and setting car tires alight, witnesses said.