Israeli soldiers shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian near the village of Budrus in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, January 15, Palestinian witnesses and medics said, according to Reuters.

The village, pressed up against a separation barrier Israel says is meant to keep out suicide bombers, is a focal point for protests by local residents against Israeli troops.

Classmates of the youth said their bus was on the way to school for midterm examinations when clashes erupted with Israeli soldiers patrolling the barrier.

It was unclear whether the teenager was shot on the bus, or whether passengers had taken part in the demonstration.

The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said several Palestinians approached the security fence near Budrus and damaged it as they attempted to infiltrate into Israel.

"Soldiers at the scene responded immediately in order to secure the area and to prevent the infiltration," she said.