Several Palestinians suffocated by tear gas fired at them by Israeli forces during clashes that broke out in the village of al-Walaja, northwest of the southern West bank district of Bethlehem, said a local activist.

Ibrahim Awad, a local activist in al-Walaja, told WAFA Israeli forces fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas canisters toward Palestinian residents and their homes during clashes that broke out in al-Walaja village, causing several residents to suffocate due to tear gas inhalation.

They were all treated at the scene.

The village has recently witnessed frequent military raids and the distribution of leaflets threatening residents in the village that they will suffer from collective punishment in the event they continued their participation in national events.