TULKARM, December 10, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli army forces last night closed with sand berms all roads leading to the city of Tulkarm, in the northern West Bank, as well as to nearby villages, according to local sources.

WAFA correspondent said Israeli army accompanied by bulldozers closed all roads and entrances leading to Tulkarm and nearby suburbs and villages of Danaba, Shofa, Bal’a, Ektaba, and Nour Shams refugee camp during late night and early morning hours. 

The closure of roads caused suffocating traffic jams and blocked students’ and employees access to their schools and workplace. Drivers were all also compelled to use unpaved and rough detours.

This came after an Israeli couple were injured in a drive-by shooting near the village of Shofa, southeast of Tulkarm.

Israeli media said the wounded man, Shaul Nir, is a convicted member of a Jewish terrorist group that perpetrated lethal attacks against Palestinians in the 1980s. 

He and his wife, Rachel, sustained gunshot wounds when a Palestinian showered their vehicle with bullets as they drove near Shofa.

Shortly after the incident, Israeli troops broke into Tulkarm, provoking clashes with youths. 

At least three Palestinians were injured by Israeli live fire during the clashes, while several others sustained suffocation due to inhaling excessive teargas fired by Israeli soldiers during clashes.

M.N/M.H