An Israeli military force invaded the village of Bil’in, near the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Monday midday.Eyad Burnat head of the popular committee against the wall and settlements in the village told IMEMC, that Israeli troops stormed a number of homes and attempted to arrest local youth, however, they found no one to arrest.
During the search, Burnat added, soldiers fired tear gas at local youth who responded by hurling stones at the soldiers.
At least a dozen civilians suffered effects of tear gas inhalation and were treated locally.
The village of Bil’in organizes a weekly anti wall protest for the past five years. After a long fight in Israeli courts, the army was ordered by the court to remove the wall built on villagers lands. However, the military refuse to implement the court order and continue to attack the weekly nonviolent actions organized by the villagers along with their international and Israeli supporters.
Last year the Israeli military killed, Bassem Abu Rahma, a local activist in Bil’in during one of the Friday actions. The army stepped up its campaign to target local activists who organize the weekly protest. At least six activists had been kidnapped by the military in such raids.
