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BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinians with live fire when clashes broke out in the occupied West Bank village of Tuqu east of Bethlehem, locals said.
Village residents told Ma’an that violent clashes broke out between locals and Israeli military forces after forces raided the area.

Youths threw rocks and empty bottles at soldiers who responded with live ammunition, tear gas, and stun grenades. The injured were taken to a hospital for medical treatment, locals added.

An Israeli army spokesperson told Ma’an they were looking into reports.

Israeli military presence in Tuqu has increased since a wave of unrest spread across the occupied Palestinian territory in October. Locals have reported barbed wire installed by the military along the village’s main road, as well as preparations to build a military watchtower on private land in the village.

Over 1,000 Palestinians have been injured by Israeli forces since the start of 2016, according to documentation by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the majority of whom were injured during clashes with the Israeli military.

Israel's military frequently raids Palestinian communities across the occupied Palestinian territories, often leading to violent clashes with local residents.