Israeli soldiers attacked, Sunday, a nonviolent protest against settlements and the Annexation Wall in Beit Jala, near Bethlehem, leading to a number of injuries. The soldiers also attacked bystanders and reporters.Two Palestinians were wounded after the soldiers severely beat them with clubs and also punched and kicked them. The two were identified as Mohammad Masalma and Thaer Mahmoud; the two were both near their homes and not participating in the protest.
Several protestors were also roughed-up, while the soldiers also attacked six reporters and prevented them from performing their job of covering the event.
They were identified as Yousef Shahin (Palmedia), AbdelHafith Hashlamon (European News Agency), Nasser AlShayukhi (associated Press), Mamon Wazwaz (APA), Musa AlShaer (France Press), and Najeh Hashlamon (ABA).
Troops also fired tear gas canisters at dry lands setting fire to an olive grove, but the quick response of Palestinian firefighters managed to control the fire and prevent it from spreading.
Soldiers also fired tear gas canisters at a number of homes far away from the protest location, and also fired tear gas canisters at Saint Nicolas Hospital forcing the patients to leave the building.
