Palestinian demonstrators have clashed with Israeli troops near Ramallah in the West Bank. The demonstrators were protesting the Israeli blocking of movement in and out of their city. Ramallah is the main Palestinian business and political center. Several hundred protestors briefly seized an Israeli army guards station. Israeli soldiers fired rubber bullets and regained control of the area. Israeli officials say they must block Ramallah to prevent Palestinian militants from preparing attacks against Israel. The United States, Russia and the European Union have called on Israel to end its blocking of Palestinian towns. They say the move is increasing tensions in the area.
