One man was injured, four other supporters arrested as Israeli troops attacked the weekly anti wall protest in Bil’in village, central West Bank.As is the case for the past five years, Israeli and international supporters joined the villagers after the midday prayers on Friday at the local mosque and marched towards the wall.
As soon as the nonviolent protesters reached the gate of the wall separating villagers from their lands Israeli soldiers stationed their fired tear gas, sound bombs and rubber-coated steel bullets at them.
Mustafa Al Khateeb, 18 years old, was hit with a tear gas bomb in his back; he was moved to a local clinic for treatment. Many other protesters suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation. Israeli soldiers also arrested four Israeli supporters during the protest.
Bil’in village is the scene of weekly anti wall protests since five years. Despite the nonviolent nature of the protests every Friday, the Israeli army often responds with violence. Last year the army killed Bassem Abu Rahmah, a local activist with a high velocity tear gas bomb.
