RAMALLAH, Two Palestinian teenagers, aged 17 and 19, were injured today evening, including one seriously, during clashes that broke out with Israeli forces in the village of al-Mazraa al-Gharbiyeh to the northwest of Ramallah, according to security sources.

Sources told WAFA that Israeli forces opened live fire toward Palestinian youth, shooting and injuring a 19-year-old teen in his back. He was transferred to the hospital for medical treatment, where his condition was described as critical.

Another teenager, aged 17, was struck in the hand with a rubber-coated steel bullet.

Israel has released new rules of engagement which allow soldiers to open fire at Palestinians who throw stones, even if they are fleeing.

“The open-fire policy – which allows unjustified use of lethal force – conveys Israel’s deep disregard for the lives of Palestinians and facilitates Israel’s continued violent control over millions of Palestinians,” stressed the Israeli information center for human rights in occupied territories, B’Tselem.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency