Palestinians clash with Israeli foces

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RAMALLAH, West Bank, March 1 (UPI) -- Palestinian protesters clashed with Israeli forces across the West Bank Friday, resulting in a number of injuries on both sides, officials said.

Clashes broke out in several areas, including al-Bireh, a neighborhood in Beitunia near Israel's Ofer detention center, Ma'an News Agency reported.

Israeli troops fired rubber-coated bullets and tear gas at protesters while protesters threw stones and empty bottles at the soldiers.

In Bilin, Palestinian National Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and other officials and faction leaders joined a rally to make the eighth anniversary of a resistance movement that started in the village when Israel started to build the separation wall.

Israeli soldiers used tear gas, stun grenades and foul-smelling liquids, and fired rubber-coated bullets at protesters in Bilin.

Two ambulances were also hit by tear gas that was fired at their windshields.

Fierce clashes also broke out in the central West Bank city of Salfit -- namely on lands belonging to the Palestinian ministry of endowment.

Locals said after Friday prayer, thousands gathered to protest damages to the land by the Israeli Ariel industrial zone. Israeli soldiers dispersed the protest with tear gas, stun grenades and rubber-coated bullets.