RAMALLAH, Dec. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The Israeli army on Tuesday razed the village of Bal'ein in the West Bank in preparation for the resumption of the separation wall construction in the area. Palestinian residents said Israeli bulldozers, guarded by jeeps and armored vehicles, razed large areas of Palestinian farming lands.

    Dozens of residents of the village clashed with Israeli soldiers in attempt to stop the razing, but Israeli soldiers opened fire at them, witnesses said.

    Medical sources at Ramallah Hospital said five Palestinians were wounded in the clash and they were receiving treatment at the hospital.

    Israel has decided to build the security wall in the West Bank, claiming the wall was to prevent militants' infiltration into Israel and thus fend off attacks. While the Palestinians see the move as a land grab. Enditem