RAMALLAH - A weekly Nabi Saleh protest achieved what activists called Friday a historic victory as they reached confiscated lands despite the presence of Israeli forces.

The demonstrators were able to reach a spring that was confiscated for the use of settlers, two of whom were bathing in it when a group of protesters arrived at the site.

Large numbers of Israeli forces arrived in the area and closed it in order to stop the demonstrators and secure it for settlers.

The protesters placed a Palestinian flag at the site despite the anger of settlers and soldiers, and clashes broke out between the Palestinians and forces stationed in an army tower.

Israel's forces fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the demonstration.

Meanwhile, activists in Bilin village said a rally to break through Israel's separation wall was stopped by Israeli forces, who fired tear gas and rubber-coated bullets, injuring two teens.

Abdullah Yasin, 19, was hit by a high-velocity tear-gas canister, while 18-year-old Ahmad Burnat was shot by a rubber-coated metal bullet in the foot, they said. Demonstrators threw stones at the forces, they added.