RAMALLAH, November 14, 2012 (WAFA) - Thousands of Palestinians Wednesday rallied across the West Bank and blocked roads used by Jewish settlers as part of an activity marking the National Youth Week, which coincides with the declaration of independence.

Israeli forces deployed throughout the West Bank fired tear gas at the protesters, according to witnesses, causing many cases of suffocation.

Israeli forces set up checkpoints to prevent participants in the rallies from reaching the main roads and to protect settlers using West Bank roads.

Palestinians clashed with the Israeli soldiers at several locations who fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at the protesters and sprayed them with skunk water.

In the Ramallah area, forces attacked a rally near Atara as protesters were trying to cross the Israeli checkpoint to reach the Ramallah-Nablus road, which is also used by settlers.

Several people were hurt, including Ramallah governor, Laila Ghannam, and the chairman of the Supreme Court for Sharia Law, Sheikh Yousef Idais.

Settlers attempted to run over some protesters who gathered near the settlement of Benyamin between Ramallah and Nablus, said witnesses.

Palestinian public employees travelled to Jericho where they participated in a rally at the Jordan Valley. Thousands gathered at roads near Jericho but Israeli soldiers stopped them and prevented them from reaching main roads.

T.R./M.S.