Palestinians Clash With Israeli Troops İn W. Bank

Palestinian protesters, who took to the streets across the West Bank to celebrate the alleged capture of an Israeli soldier by Hamas' military wing, the Ezzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, clashed with Israeli troops in several areas across the Palestinian territory, eyewitnesses said.



Around 50 Palestinians were injured while hundreds suffered from teargas inhalation during the clashes with Israeli troops in several areas in the West Bank, the eyewitnesses said.



Clashes were reported in the cities of Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus and Tulkarm, in addition to Qalandia and Jalazone refugee camps as well as East Jerusalem.



In East Jerusalem, dozens of Palestinians poured onto the streets of the neighborhoods of Shuafat, Isawiya and Bab Al-Amoud, where protestors threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the Israeli police, eyewitness said.



Palestinian youths also clashed with Israeli police near Biel Eil Settlement, northern Ramallah. At least four Palestinians were injured with rubber bullets, medical sources confirmed.



In Bethlehem, around 1500 Palestinians partook in a massive demonstration toward Rachel's Tomb, which turned into violent clashes with Israeli troops who fired live ammunition and rubber bullets at the demonstrators, leaving 11 Palestinians wounded, according to medical sources.



In Hebron, dozens of Palestinians staged demonstrations in support of the Gaza Strip, before engaging in clashes with Israeli police. According to medical sources, two Palestinians were wounded by live ammunition and 12 others by rubber bullets.



Meanwhile, eyewitnesses confirmed to Anadolu Agency that at least 10 Palestinians were injured in similar clashes at the eastern entrance of Nablus.



Ten more were injured in clashes in Qalandia and Jalazone refugee camps near Ramallah.



Earlier in the day, the Ezzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, said that the group managed to hold Israeli soldier Shaul Aaron hostage during clashes in the Gaza Strip, mentioning the number of the soldier's military identify card to boost his claim.



Israel has not officially commented on the claim of Qassam Brigades yet.



Since July 7, Israel has been pounding the Gaza Strip, home to some 1.8 million Palestinians, with crippling air and naval bombardments with the ostensible aim of halting rocket fire.



On Thursday night, Israel stepped up its offensive to include ground operations, sending thousands of troops into the embattled Palestinian territory.



The operation has, however, left 469 Gazans killed and 3100 others injured so far.



Israel's military operation, dubbed "Operation Protective Edge," is the self-proclaimed Jewish state's third major offensive against Gaza in the last six years.



By Anees Barghouthy



englishnews@aa.com.tr



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