Israeli border police shot dead two Palestinians on Thursday during a demonstration in the West Bank marking the 66th anniversary of the Nakba, or “catastrophe” of the Jewish state’s creation.

Security and medical sources told AFP that Musaab Nuwarah, 20, and Mohammed Udeh, 17, died in a Ramallah hospital after being shot in the chest during a protest near Ofer Prison demanding the release of thousands of Palestinians held by Israel.

According to the Ma’an News agency, the two were shot with live ammunition in the chest and were rushed to a medical centre in Ramallah. Three other teenagers were injured outside the prison in a protest against administration prisoners.

Around 100 prisoners have been on a hunger strike since 24 April in protest at their indefinite confinement in prisons without charge or trial and press for their release.

Under Israel’s administrative detention law, Israeli military commanders can order the detention of West Bank Palestinians for terms up to six months, which can be renewed indefinitely.

The latest fatalities brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank this year to 11.

The Israeli army had no immediate comment.

(Middle East Eye – www.middleeasteye.net)