Palestinian prisoners clash with Israeli guards at West Bank jail

Clashes broke out Saturday between Palestinian inmates and Israeli guards at a West Bank prison.

The Israel Prisons Service said about 150 prisoners took part in the fighting that started when inmates threw objects at the guards and set two tents on fire. It said order was laster restored and the fires extinguished.

Palestinian deputy minister of prisoner affairs, Ziad Abu Ein, said guards were carrying out an inspection at the Ofer prison when the clashes erupted. He said the guards used stun grenades, tear gas and clubs.

The Prison Service said seven inmates suffered minor smoke inhalation and three guards were injured during Saturday's clashes. Abu Ein, however, said eight prisoners were injured.

Outside the prison, several ambulances and scores of Israeli riot police wearing gas masks were seen entering the facility. Streams of tear gas and water could also be seen over the prison walls.

Israel holds more than 8,000 Palestinians, and clashes break out occasionally between inmates and guards.