BETHLEHEM, Monday, May 1, 2023 (WAFA) – A Palestinian youth was shot and critically injured during confrontations that broke out this morning following an Israeli military raid into the cities of Bethlehem and Beit Jala, in the southern occupied West Bank, security sources told WAFA correspondent.

Sources said that confrontation erupted in the vicinity of Beit Jala Governmental Hospital following an Israeli military incursion into the city of Beit Jala.

Forces fired live ammunition, tear gas canisters, and sun grenades at Palestinians, shooting and critically injuring a 20-year-old youth in the back, which necessitated his transfer to hospital fin Hebron for treatment due to the seriousness of his injury.

The ministry of health announced that the youth was struck with an exploding bullet that pierced his lower back and thoracic cavity, completely rupturing his right lung. Surgeons reportedly found dozens of pieces of shrapnel in his thoracic cavity and the lungs. The youth was also shot in his hand. His health condition remains critical.

Israeli forces deliberately fired tear gas canisters into the hospital yards, forcing the medical staff to close the first floor of the hospital for the safety of patients. Many patients, including children and elderly, and members of the medical staff suffered from suffocation..

A sixty-year-old man was also detained after forces raided his house in central Bethlehem city, leading to confrontations.

Forces attacked residents with live bullets, tear gas canisters and stun grenades, however no injuries were reported.

T.R.