Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli forces opened fire on anti-wall protesters in two West Bank villages on Friday, according to news reports.

Commemorating the UN's annual International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, residents of Bil'in and Nil'in, two villages near Ramallah, rallied against Israel's separation barrier on Friday afternoon.

Dozens reportedly suffered tear-gas inhalation in both areas, although there were no reports of more serious injuries. Activists said Israeli forces fired stun grenades in addition to the tear-gas.

Protesters demonstrate each week against the wall, built inside the Green Line on Palestinian territory, which cuts through the center of both villages. Last week, Israeli forces shot two Palestinians with live ammunition in Nil'in.

In 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of 29 November as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On that day in 1947, the assembly adopted Resolution 181 on the partition of Palestine.