Clashes erupt at Palestinian protest to support hunger strikers

Clashes erupt in the West Bank between Israeli soldiers and hundreds of Palestinians protesting in support of hunger strikers in Israeli jails, leaving at least two people wounded.

Youths wearing hoods or masks threw stones at Israeli soldiers, who responded with rubber bullets and water cannons containing foul-smelling liquid.

The two Palestinians were hit by rubber bullets and evacuated on stretchers with bloodied legs.

The clashes broke out at a checkpoint at the entrance to Ramallah and near the Israeli settlement of Beit El, the site of regular demonstrations against the occupation.

The protest was called in support of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails since April 17.

— AFP