DHAKA: Israeli police have shot dead at least two Palestinians just north of Jerusalem during massive protests in support of those under siege in Gaza in several areas of the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian security and medical officials named one of the men as Mohammed Al-Aaraj, 25, who was among thousands of people clashing with soldiers and border police in Qalandia, between Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Scores of people have been reported injured, several of whom were shot. Clashes were also reported in Nablus and Bethlehem.

The protesters in Qalandia say they also want to reach the Al-Aqsa Mosque, to mark Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Destiny, when Muslims pray through the night as the holy month of Ramadan nears its end.

"There are thousands of rioters there," an Israeli army spokeswoman told the AFP news agency.

"They are rolling burning tyres and throwing molotov cocktails and fireworks at soldiers and border police, reports Al-Jazeera.

"The soldiers are responding with riot disposal means," she added, a term used to cover less-than-lethal weapons such as rubber bullets and tear gas.

Doctors in the main Ramallah hospital said they had received dozens of live fire victims and appealed for blood donors.

BDST: 0955 HRS, JUL 25, 2014