An Israeli reservist soldier rammed his vehicle into a Palestinian man as he prayed on a roadside in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, after earlier firing shots in the area, the Israeli military said.

Three Palestinians accused of torching a Christmas tree and damaging part of a Nativity scene at a West Bank Catholic church were arrested.

Three Palestinians have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire to a Christmas tree and damaging a Nativity scene at a Catholic Church in the West Bank city of Jenin

Twelve European countries as well as Canada and Japan have condemned Israel’s decision earlier in the month to approve 19 new Jewish settlements in the Occupied West Bank saying the move harmed the prospects for long term peace and security in the region.

A Palestinian government official says Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian home in the south of the Israeli-occupied West Bank overnight.

An Israeli court approved the demolition of 25 residential buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank city of Tulkarem despite a petition by Palestinian owners, a human rights group said Friday.

Christmas celebrations have returned to the birthplace of Jesus after a two-year hiatus, but the joy remains overshadowed by another turbulent year for Palestinians living under Israeli-occupation in the West Bank.

The soldier was dressed in civilian clothes and was carrying a gun. After ramming his vehicle into the Palestinian man, the soldier yelled at him before going way. Later, the Israeli military issued a statement said that the soldier acted 'in severe violation of his authority'.

Three Palestinians have been arrested on suspicion of setting fire to a Christmas tree and damaging a Nativity scene at a Catholic Church in the West Bank city of Jenin.