In five separate demonstrations on Friday, Palestinians in the northern, central and southern West Bank marched and rallied in opposition to the Israeli Annexation Wall being built on their land. Each of the demonstrations was assaulted by Israeli forces, who fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at the demonstrators.In the village of al Nabi Saleh, in central West Bank, villagers and international and Israeli supporters tried to march towards land owned by local farmers which has been taken by Israel for building of a settlement. Israeli soldiers stopped them at the village entrance and forced them back using tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets. 3 people were abducted: 2 internationals and one Palestinian journalist named as Bilal Tamimi.
One person was injured in the abdomen when a high velocity tear gas canister was fired at him. He was moved to the hospital in Ramallah for treatment, and he remains in critical condition. Troops later stormed the village and fired tear gas and chemical water into resident’s homes. Many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
In nearby Nil’in village, international and Israeli supporters joined villagers and marched up to the gate of the wall separating local farmers from their lands. Soldiers fired tear gas at them, however no injuries were reported.
In the nearby village of Bil’in, also in the central West Bank, Israeli troops fired tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets at the villagers and their supporters before they could reach the wall. Many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
In the village of Kufer Kadom, in the northern West Bank, Israeli troops fired tear gas and sound bombs against farmers and their Israeli and international supporters as they protested against the Israeli wall on Friday. Many were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Also on Friday in the southern West Bank, villagers of Al Ma’ssara near Bethlehem marched against the annexation wall. Soldiers stopped the protest from leaving the village by using rifle butts and batons.
