Clashes erupt between Palestinians, Israeli forces in West Bank

RAMALLAH, Palestine

Clashes broke out between dozens of Palestinians and Israeli forces on Friday in various locations across the occupied West Bank.

The confrontations took place in the city of Bethlehem, the towns of Beit Dajan and Beita south of Nablus, and Kafr Qaddum east of Qalqilya, Anadolu reported.

An Israeli force entered several neighborhoods and positioned themselves on the main streets of Bethlehem, witnesses told Anadolu. The witnesses added that Israeli forces used tear gas grenades during the clashes.

In Beita, skirmishes flared after Israeli forces dispersed dozens of Palestinians who had performed Friday prayers on Mount Sabih, protesting the legalization of the Avitar settlement outpost in the area.

Israeli forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas grenades at the Palestinians, causing several to suffer from tear gas inhalation, according to witnesses.

Israeli troops have been entering various parts of the occupied West Bank regularly for the past few years, but their incursions have increased with the beginning of the war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinians have also been violently attacked by illegal Israeli settlers.

At least 576 Palestinians have since been killed and nearly 5,350 others injured by Israeli army fire in the occupied West Bank, according to the Health Ministry.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio