West Bank Teen Wounded by Israeli Fire

Israeli security forces seriously wounded a Palestinian youth during clashes near Bethlehem on Friday, Palestinian medical officials said.

The 15-year-old was hit in the face by a bullet that bounced off the ground during clashes in Aida, a West Bank refugee camp north of Bethlehem, and was taken to hospital in Beit Jala, medical officials said.

The youth was later transferred to Jerusalem's Hadassah Ein-Kerem hospital for further treatment.

The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the incident.

Clashes between Palestinians from Aida and Israeli army and police have been taking place for over a week now, with Palestinians targeting the military towers that overlook the separation barrier near Rachel's Tomb.

On Tuesday, a 17-year-old Palestinian died after being hit by three bullets in the West Bank village of Budrus, the fourth Palestinian shot dead in the West Bank and Gaza since last Friday.