THREE Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank today. 

The latest loss of Palestinian lives comes as Israelis continued their protests against moves by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s ultra right-wing government to overhaul the country’s legal system.

The Israeli military said that one gunman was arrested after turning himself into authorities after the shootout near the city of Nablus.

The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed that three people were killed near the city of Nablus but has yet to disclose the identities of the victims. 

The deaths bring the number of Palestinians killed since the start of the year to 80, as Israel has stepped up military raids in the West Bank. 

During the same period, 14 Israelis have been killed in conflicts with Palestinians. 

The fresh violence follows an Israeli military raid last week on the West Bank village of Jaba, where three Palestinians were killed. 

Hours later, a Palestinian fighter opened fire on a busy Tel Aviv thoroughfare, wounding three people before being shot and killed.

The latest wave of Palestinian deaths followed what organisers said was the biggest protest yet by Israelis against a contentious plan by the government to overhaul the judiciary.

The nationwide demonstrations have been a regular weekly event for more than two months.

Despite the demonstrations, the Israeli government has pledged to press ahead with a series of Bills that would strip the Supreme Court of its ability to review legislation and give coalition politicians control over judicial appointments.

Critics say that the changes will destroy the country’s system of checks and balances and concentrate power in the hands of the prime minister and his allies.

“We are protesting because if not, it’s like compliance and we will never agree to have democracy abolished in this country,” said Einat Gival-Levi, a protester. 

“It’s really important that we raise awareness all around the world.”

Hundreds of Israeli women’s rights activists, dressed as characters in the television series The Handmaid’s Tale, marched through the centre of Tel Aviv.

Critics also say Mr Netanyahu, who is facing trial for corruption, is looking for an escape route from the charges through the overhaul. 

Mr Netanyahu denies wrongdoing and says that the legal changes have nothing to do with his trial.

Israel’s Palestinian minority, which makes up some 20 per cent of the population, have been largely absent from the protests.