RAMALLAH, December 20, 2017 (WAFA) – Israeli forces responded with force on Wednesday shooting live and rubber bullets and tear gas canisters to disperse thousands of Palestinians who rallied across the West Bank districts of Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm and Bethlehem against the US decision recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital causing dozens of suffocation cases and at least one injury from live bullet.

The Palestinian national and Islamic forces called for mass rallies in all the Palestinian cities after which participants would march to contact points with Israeli soldiers.

Clashes are currently underway at Qalandia checkpoint near Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho and Qalqilya areas.

Medical sources at the Palestinian Red Crescent said one person was shot and injured in the foot by a live bullet during clashes at Qalandia and four others treated for rubber bullet wounds. Another was struck in the face by a tear gas canister in the Bethlehem clashes and was admitted to hospital.

Several suffocation cases were reported across the West Bank from tear gas inhalation, most treated at the scene.

In Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians also rallied against the US decision on Jerusalem.

T.R./M.K.