Scores of West Bank protesters injured by Israeli forces

Scores of Palestinians have been left injured on Friday, with many suffering from tear gas inhalation after Israeli forces attempted to quell protests held across the West Bank in support of the sovereignty of the al-Aqsa Mosque.

In Hebron, in the southern West Bank, four youths were struck by live ammunition, while five others were hit by rubber-coated bullets during separate clashes at the Bab al-Zawiya area and Abu al-Rish military checkpoint.

A 13-year-old boy sustained serious stomach injuries after being shot with live ammunition during violent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters at the entrance to al-Fawwar refugee camp, south of Hebron.

A second teenager, from Beit Ummar, northeast Hebron, sustained critical wounds.

Similar clashes erupted near al-Arroub refugee camp and Beit Ummar. Two Palestinian youths were shot by rubber bullets.

Clashes taking place around the city of Bethlehem resulted in two teenagers and a child being struck by rubber bullets. Dozens of others suffered tear gas inhalation.

In Ramallah, a protest that started from the city centre and headed towards the Israeli settlement of Beit El, north of Ramallah, was violently confronted by Israeli forces.

The troops shot sound bombs and tear gas canisters into the crowds, one of which struck a paramedic in the head.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces were caught using Palestinian journalists working for Palestine Today TV channel as human shields, during clashes in the village of Nalin, west of Ramallah.

Meanwhile, three Israeli soldiers were injured by rocks thrown in confrontations that took place at the Huwarrah and Beit El checkpoints, as well as during clashes in the village of Nalin.