Jerusalem  -Israeli settlers in the West Bank clashed Wednesday morning with Palestinians from the village of Khirbat Safa, leaving seven people injured.

Settlers said the clash began when Palestinians threw rocks at them while they were conducting special sunrise prayers in advance of the Passover festival, which begins at sundown.

Palestinians say the fracas began when the settlers rampaged through their village, firing in the air and damaging property.

Soldiers called in to restore order used riot gear, and also fired rubber-coated metal bullets at the stone throwers.

The incident took place near the settlement where a Palestinian ran amok with an axe last Thursday, killing one teenager and wounding another before fleeing.(dpa)