04.02.11 – 15:22
Ramallah – PNN – Scores of Palestinians joined Israeli and international supporters to march against the Israeli wall in different locations in the West Bank on Friday.
This week, protests were held in solidarity with the pro-democracy Egyptian demonstrators, who are demanding an end to President Mubarak 30-year regime.
In Wadi Rahal and al-Ma’sara villages near Bethlehem, in the southern West Bank, people marched after midday prayers. In Wadi Rahal, many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation after Israeli troops attacked protesters. One international supporter was arrested by soldiers. Israeli troops stopped al-Ma’sara protesters from reaching Wadi Rahal and forced them back.
In the central West Bank village of Nil’in, villagers joined by Israeli and international supporters marched after midday prayers to the wall. As soon as they reached the wall, Israeli soldiers stationed there fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at them. Many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
In the nearby village of Bil’in, Israeli troops attacked the weekly protest as soon as people and their international and Israeli supporters reached the gate of the wall separating local farmers form their lands. Troops used tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets against the unarmed civilians. Local journalist Haytham al-Khateeb was injured in the hand and many others suffered from tear gas inhalation.
Also in central West Bank, three international protesters were arrested by Israeli troops who attacked the weekly protest in al-Nabi Saleh. People marched from the village center towards their lands, where Israel is building settlements. Troops used tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets and live rounds at protesters. Many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation and the weekly action ended after local youth clashed with Israeli troops.