BETHLEHEM, July 23, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Saturday continued to close the entrances to several towns and villages in the eastern and southeastern parts of Bethlehem district in the southern West Bank, said security sources.

Israeli forces closed the entrances of several towns and villages in the district, setting up checkpoints and using cement blocks and earth mounds.

Forces closed the entrance to al-Khas and al-Nu‘man villages, northeast of Bethlehem, the eastern entrance of Marah Rabah village, south of Bethlehem.

They also closed the roads leading to Zaatara town, southeast of the city, al-Freidis and Asaker villages, as well as the road running between Jannatah and Tuqu‘ towns, south and southeast of the city.

Forces imposed the closure purportedly after an Israeli settler’s vehicle came under fire while it was passing near Har Homa settlement, which sits on the top of Palestinian-owned Abu Ghanim Mountain, on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, forces raided the Bethlehem neighborhood of As-Saff, triggering clashes with local Palestinian youths who protested the raid and attempted to block the troops’ passage. No injuries or detentions were reported though.

Forces also raided Beit Ta‘mir village, southeast of the city, storming a store and checking surveillance cameras.

They also stormed and ransacked a house belonging to Daoud al-Badan in a raid into Tuqu town, southeast of the city.

K.F.