RAMALLAH, March 5, 2012 (WAFA) – A 19-year-old Palestinian was severely injured on Monday during clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinians at Atara checkpoint, north of Ramallah, according to medical sources.

According to Ahmad Bitawi, director of the Palestinian Medical Complex, Mohammad Abu Awwad was brought to hospital with critical head wounds caused by a tear gas canister.

He said Abu Awwad was immediately admitted to surgery suffering from severe bleeding and fracture in the head, describing his condition as critical.

A number of Palestinians had gathered at Atara army checkpoint to mark the second anniversary for the death of five members from the Awwad family, who were killed after their vehicle collided with an Israeli military jeep near Ofra settlement, north of Ramallah.

M.H./M.S.