Palestinian protesters hurl stones towards Israeli troops during clashes at Atara Checkpoint in the north of the West Bank city of Ramallah, on March 15, 2010. More Than 500 Students clashes with Israeli troops after a Rally in support of Al-aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, wounded seven Palestinian, witnesses said. [Xinhua]

Palestinian protesters carry a wounded youth during clashes with Israeli troops at Atara Checkpoint in the north of the West Bank city of Ramallah, on March 15, 2010. More Than 500 Students clashes with Israeli troops after a Rally in support of Al-aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, wounded seven Palestinian, witnesses said. [Xinhua]

Seven Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were injured Monday afternoon in clashes at a checkpoint to the north of Ramallah city in the West Bank, witnesses and security sources said.

The clashes took place during a Palestinian demonstration as protestors marched to Atara checkpoint, the witnesses said.

The demonstrators set fire to tires and hurled stones at Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint. The soldiers responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, wounding five protestors, according to the witnesses. Israel Radio reported that a soldier was lightly injured when a stone hit him.

The rally was called to protest Israel's measures in East Jerusalem, including a plan by Jewish extremists to enter the Noble Sanctuary compound, which contains Al-Aqsa Mosque, during a ceremony planned for Tuesday for reopening a synagogue in the Arab section of the city which the Palestinians see as their future capital.

The demonstrators also chanted slogans against Israel's approval for new settlement buildings in East Jerusalem. The approval last week came as Palestinians were about to start U.S.- mediated proximity talks with Israel in a bid to revive stalled peace process.

(Xinhua News Agency March 16, 2010)