JERUSALEM, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Violent riots erupted at about 30 locations across the West Bank and the Gaza Strip throughout Friday afternoon, according to a statement by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

In Judea and Samaria, approximately 3,000 Palestinians participated in violent riots, said the statement.

The rioters were throwing firebombs and rocks and rolling burning tires at security forces. The violent riots were still taking place in Hebron, Rachel's Tomb, Beit Ummar, Al-Arroub, Tulkarm and Qalandiya, said the statement.

In order to disperse the riots and stop further escalation of violence, IDF and Border Police soldiers were responding with riot dispersals and firing warning shots into the air. So far, six rioters have been arrested.

Along the border with Gaza, hundreds of Palestinians have been participating in violent riots at six locations.

During the riots, IDF soldiers fired selectively toward two main instigators, said the statement.