According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli soldiers killed two Palestinians in the West Bank.

BETHLEHEM – Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

According to the Israeli army, during an early morning arrest raid near Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers opened fire when local residents threw homemade bombs and rocks at them.

According to Palestinian officials, one man was killed, though it was unclear whether he was involved in the clashes. The killing was condemned by the Palestinian Foreign Ministry.

Since January, violence in the territories has erupted, with Israeli raids killing at least 46 Palestinians and Arab street attacks killing 19 people in Israel and the West Bank.