Scores of Palestinians hurt in clashes in W. Bank, Gaza

RAMALLAH, Palestine

Scores of Palestinians were injured on Friday in clashes with Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, Israeli forces used live ammunition, rubber bullets and teargas to disperse dozens of Palestinian protesters.

“Two protesters were injured by rubber bullets, while at least 10 others suffered teargas inhalation,” according to the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRC).

“Three Palestinians were shot with live ammunition, including one who is now in critical condition, in clashes that erupted in the Arroub refugee camp in the West city of Hebron [Al-Khalil],” read a PRC statement.

“In Nablus, meanwhile, one Palestinian was hurt by live ammunition, while three others sustained rubber bullet injuries,” it added.

Clashes were also reported in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, where at least 18 Palestinians suffered from teargas inhalation, according to the PRC.

And in the village of Ezqriya near Jerusalem, 16 Palestinians were treated at the scene after inhaling excessive amounts of teargas, the NGO said.

In the blockaded Gaza Strip, meanwhile, 15 Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli army troops stationed near Gaza’s border, the PRC said without providing additional details.

Tension has mounted in the Palestinian territories since Dec. 6, when U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, sparking angry demonstrations in the West Bank and Gaza.

Since then, at least 14 Palestinians have been martyred -- and thousands more injured -- in fierce clashes with Israeli security forces.

Jerusalem remains at the core of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.